Senator Steve Rhoads Urges Passage of Bill S.9194 To Address Deceptive Wearing Of Masks In Light Of Stabbing At Hofstra University

(Uniondale, NY) – New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, Assemblyman Ed Ra, and Assemblyman John Mikulin today held a press conference urging Governor Hochul to call back the legislature, and pass proposed legislation, Senate Bill S9194/Assembly Bill A10043, aimed at addressing public safety concerns related to deceptive wearing of masks. Criminals are emboldened by our crime-friendly, loose, and in this case, non-existent, laws. This bill seeks to amend the New York State law by establishing new offenses: deceptive wearing of a mask and aggravated deceptive wearing of a mask. 

“The stabbing incident after the Academy Charter School graduation ceremony in broad daylight in the heart of the Hofstra campus by six masked perpetrators highlights the urgency of passing my bill, S.9194/A.10043. This legislation, which was previously New York law for 175 years, aims to restore common sense and hold accountable those who wear masks to conceal their identity while engaging in menacing, terrorizing and acts of physical violence to people and property,” said Senator Steve Rhoads, 5th Senate District. 

“My colleague from Staten Island, Assemblyman Mike Reilly, carried the bill in the Assembly, I am a co-sponsor of it and it’s fairly straightforward. This bill balances first amendment rights and public safety. Ensuring the safety of our community is always a priority,” stated Assemblyman Ed Ra, 19th Assembly District.

“Safety must be our number one priority. We have seen a decrease in safety, we have seen people try to conceal themselves in the event of committing a crime- we must stop them. This bill does just that. It makes sure that when people get together to protest, it is done without a mask. We don’t mind peaceful protest, but we do mind when people conceal themselves, they harass others, and they commit crimes. We must stop this. We must pass this bill,” said Assemblyman John Mikulin, 17th Assembly District.

“I am proud to support Sen. Steven Rhoads (R,C) and help voice the call to pass Assembly and Senate Bill A.10043/S.9194. Everyone throughout our state and country has the right to peacefully protest in response to issues they care about, but keeping everyone safe during active protests needs to be a top priority. This proposal would ensure those who deceptively wear masks in an attempt to escape the consequences of disrupting or committing violent acts during a public gathering are held accountable,” stated Assemblyman Keith P. Brown, 12th Assembly District. 

“We cannot allow inappropriate or even dangerous behavior during peaceful protests to persist, especially if the perpetrators wear masks to conceal their identities and avoid punishment. I fully support the call to pass A.10043/S.9194 and keep everyone safe,” concluded Assemblyman Brown.

“Democrats who control all levers of power in our State government continue to fail the people of our district. We are less safe and our quality of life is crumbling. Keeping our residents and communities safe is a no brainer. I urge Governor Hochul to call the Legislature back to Albany and support this common sense legislation,” closed Senator Steve Rhoads.