NEW YORK (PIX11) – Gov. Kathy Hochul is pushing for a bill that could ban face masks on the subway in New York City.
It's part of an effort to deter individuals who try to hide their identities while committing antisemitic acts, she said. It's not clear what the policy might look like, but it would include exemptions for health, cultural or religious reasons, according to Hochul.
She is currently in talks with lawmakers about the measure.
Hochul was prompted to consider action after a group of people, wearing face masks, frightened subway riders when they allegedly chanted about Hitler and wiping out Jews, she said.
Pro-Palestinian protesters took over a crowded subway car in Manhattan and asked straphangers, "Raise your hand if you're a Zionist," on Monday, according to the NYPD. It's not clear if Hochul was referring to this incident when she spoke about the possible ban.
This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.
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