New York City Mayor Eric Adams has expressed support for reinstating a mask ban in certain areas, including subways and protests, to curb crime, arguing that masks allow "cowards" to hide their identities while committing nefarious acts.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has thrown his support behind a proposal to reinstate a mask ban in certain areas of the city, particularly those unrelated to healthcare. Adams believes that such a ban would help deter crime, as it would make it more difficult for individuals to commit illegal acts while concealing their faces.
During a meeting with reporters on Monday afternoon, Adams stated that he was "a strong supporter" of ending mask mandates in places such as subways, protests, and other non-health-related settings. He emphasized that masks provide a convenient way for criminals to disguise their identities, emboldening them to commit heinous acts.
NYC Mayor Adams Backs Mask Ban for Crime Prevention, Says 'Cowards Cover Their Faces'
"Masks are not new, and covering your face while you do terrible things is not new," Adams asserted. "There were these guys that used to ride around with hoods in the deep south. So, cowards cover their faces."
Adams' comments come in the wake of Governor Kathy Hochul's announcement last week that she was considering bringing back a mask ban in New York state to reduce crime. Hochul's proposal has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing concerns about the potential impact on public health amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
NYC Mayor Adams Backs Mask Ban for Crime Prevention, Says 'Cowards Cover Their Faces'
However, Adams believes that a mask ban is essential to combating the rise in crime in New York City. He pointed to the recent increase in antisemitic hate crimes, noting that Jewish leaders have attributed this rise to the use of masks by perpetrators.
"I'm a strong supporter of the decision of stopping masks on our subway system, masks in protests, and masks in other areas where it's not… health-related," Adams said. "I believe the governor is in the right place, and I strongly support it."
NYC Mayor Adams Backs Mask Ban for Crime Prevention, Says 'Cowards Cover Their Faces'
Adams' support for a mask ban has garnered mixed reactions. While some residents welcome the move as a potential crime deterrent, others remain apprehensive about the potential health implications, particularly for individuals with underlying health conditions.
Nevertheless, Adams remains steadfast in his belief that a mask ban is necessary to address the city's crime problem. He has instructed his team to work on a solution that balances public health concerns with crime prevention.
NYC Mayor Adams Backs Mask Ban for Crime Prevention, Says 'Cowards Cover Their Faces'
"The quicker we do it, I think it's going to stop a lot of these crimes we're seeing," Adams said.
