Torres Pressures Hochul to Ban Public Mask-Wearing Amid Rising Antisemitic Protests

(TJV) Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres is demanding Governor Kathy Hochul take action on banning public mask-wearing, accusing her of inaction as antisemitic protests escalate on college campuses. His call comes a day after a masked mob took over a Barnard College building, disrupting classes and allegedly assaulting a school employee.

In a letter obtained by The Post, Torres urged Hochul to push for the ban as part of the state budget, due by April 1. “Your lip service to a mask ban means nothing without legislation and executive orders that match words with deeds,” he wrote, accusing state officials of violating federal civil rights laws by failing to protect Jewish students.

New York previously had a mask ban, initially enacted to unmask Ku Klux Klan members but repealed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proponents argue reinstating it would prevent protesters from hiding their identities while committing harassment. A recent poll found 75% of New Yorkers support the measure, with 76% of Jewish voters expressing concerns over discrimination.

Hochul has voiced general support for restricting masks but has yet to endorse a specific policy. A bill under consideration would not impose an outright ban but would make “masked harassment” a low-level crime, with exemptions for medical and religious reasons.

Torres, a vocal critic of Hochul’s handling of antisemitism, is reportedly considering challenging her in next year’s gubernatorial race.