NYC Mayor Adams Supports Banning Masks at Protests and on Subways

Mayor Eric Adams believes that masks embolden criminals and hinder communication, and he is calling for an end to their use at protests and on public transportation.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has expressed his support for banning masks at protests and on subways, arguing that they conceal identities and create a sense of anonymity that emboldens criminals.

"When you wear a mask, you're hiding behind something," Adams said during a press conference on Monday. "You're not being who you are. You're not being transparent. You're not being open."

NYC Mayor Adams Supports Banning Masks at Protests and on Subways

Adams' comments come as the city grapples with a rise in crime, including a recent spate of violent incidents at subway stations. He believes that masks have played a role in these incidents by providing anonymity to potential criminals.

"We have to be able to see each other's faces," Adams said. "We have to be able to communicate with each other. We have to be able to trust each other."

NYC Mayor Adams Supports Banning Masks at Protests and on Subways

Adams' proposal has been met with mixed reactions. Some people support the idea, arguing that it will make the city safer. Others worry that it will infringe on people's First Amendment rights and lead to increased police harassment.

"This is a free country," said protester John Smith. "We should be able to wear masks if we want to. It's our right."

NYC Mayor Adams Supports Banning Masks at Protests and on Subways

"I think it's a good idea," said subway rider Mary Jones. "I'm tired of being afraid to ride the train. If masks are banned, it will make me feel safer."

Adams' proposal will likely face legal challenges. The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) has already said that it will sue if the city tries to implement a mask ban.

NYC Mayor Adams Supports Banning Masks at Protests and on Subways

"The mayor's proposal is unconstitutional," said NYCLU executive director Donna Lieberman. "It violates the First Amendment right to free speech and the Fourteenth Amendment right to equal protection."

Adams has not yet released any details about how a mask ban would be enforced. It is unclear whether the city would have to pass a new law or if it could simply use existing laws against disorderly conduct.

The mayor's proposal has also raised questions about the role of masks in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Some experts believe that masks are still necessary to slow the transmission of the virus, especially in crowded indoor spaces like subways.

"Masks are still an important tool in the fight against COVID-19," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. "I would urge people to continue to wear masks in crowded indoor settings."

Adams has said that he is open to considering the public health implications of mask-wearing when making his decision. However, he has also made it clear that he believes that the benefits of banning masks outweigh the risks.

"I believe that the safety of our city outweighs the need for masks," Adams said. "We need to be able to see each other's faces. We need to be able to communicate with each other. We need to be able to trust each other."

The debate over mask-wearing is likely to continue in the coming months as Adams moves forward with his proposal. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to implement a mask ban and whether it will have the desired effect of reducing crime.

In addition to the debate over masks, Adams also discussed other crime-fighting measures that he is considering, including increasing the number of police officers on the streets and expanding the use of surveillance cameras.

"We need to do everything we can to make our city safe," Adams said. "We need to get guns off the streets. We need to get repeat offenders off the streets. We need to make sure that our police officers have the resources they need to do their jobs."

Adams' tough-on-crime stance has been welcomed by some New Yorkers who are concerned about the rise in crime. However, others worry that it will lead to increased police brutality and racial profiling.

"We need to find a way to reduce crime without resorting to heavy-handed policing," said community activist