REMARKS
Council Member Vernikov introduces Resolution 525 on protester face coverings
0:52:22
·
74 sec
Council Member Inna Vernikov introduces Resolution 525, which supports a state bill to make it unlawful for protesters to conceal their identity. She argues that this measure is necessary to combat anti-American and anti-Semitic protests, assist law enforcement, and improve public safety.
- The resolution has bipartisan support in the council and is based on similar laws passed in other jurisdictions.
- Vernikov cites recent violent protests where participants were emboldened by anonymity through face coverings.
- She draws parallels to laws passed in the 1950s to combat the Ku Klux Klan and a recent successful ban in Nassau County.
Inna Vernikov
0:52:22
Thank you, majority leader.
0:52:23
Today, I'm introducing Resolution 525, supporting a state bill, which would make it unlawful for protesters to conceal their identity.
0:52:31
It's time to unmask the hate.
0:52:33
In the past months, we've seen an explosion of anti American anti Semitic violent protests and riots celebrating terrorism at home and abroad, emboldened by their ability to be anonymous through face coverings.
0:52:44
They openly waive flags of Hamas and Hezbollah, spew hatred, and we often see violence and physical altercations erupt.
0:52:50
At every level of government, we must do all that we can to assist law enforcement and catching criminals.
0:52:56
Allowing masks at protests has impeded investigations and slowed the progress of the criminal justice system, allowing criminals to stay loose for longer.
0:53:04
This is a matter of public safety, and a mask ban is not a novel idea.
0:53:08
Similar laws were passed around the the country in the 19 fifties to combat the rise of the Ku Klux Klan and existed in various forms in the years prior.
0:53:16
More recently, a ban was made law in Nassau County with great success.
0:53:20
This is a common sense by partisan bill in the state, and the resolution has bipartisan support in this council.
0:53:26
It's time we show New Yorkers that we are taking concrete measures to do more to protect them.
0:53:31
I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting the state bill by signing on to this resolution.
0:53:35
Thank you.