The first arrest is made in New York county under the new mask ban law.
During his arrest, Wesslin Omar Ramirez Castillo, 18, was accused of hiding a big knife.
On Sunday, Nassau County's new mask-wearing ban resulted in the first arrest by New York police.
In Levittown, New York, Wesslin Omar Ramirez Castillo, 18, was arrested for wearing a mask and behaving suspiciously. A photo reveals he was dressed entirely in black, and police claim he was attempting to conceal a bulge in his pants, which turned out to be a 14-inch knife.
Under the county's new Mask Transparency Act, Castillo is the first individual to be charged for using a face covering in public, except for health or religious reasons. The law was enacted in response to the large groups of protesters who hid their identities during violent demonstrations.
Fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, and violating the Mask Transparency Act are the charges against Castillo.
The county executive's office declared the arrest a "success due to the new mask law."
"A person was stopped by police on a street corner after being identified as suspicious. The mask law allowed them to conduct a pat down, and a large knife was found," the office stated.
The Nassau County Legislature, controlled by Republicans, passed a bill banning masks on August 5th. This law was signed into law on August 14th. However, it is being challenged in court by critics who contend that it unfairly targets individuals with disabilities.
Two individuals with health conditions and who use medical-grade masks to safeguard themselves are suing due to their concerns of harassment and possible arrest as a result of the new mask ban.
Since August 5, 2024, G.B. has been approached by strangers in both public and private settings to inquire about their health status and the reason for wearing a mask, as stated in the lawsuit.
G.B. has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and asthma and requires a wheelchair for mobility, according to the lawsuit.
"The lawsuit stated that G.B. fears being arrested for wearing a mask due to a lack of standard for police to determine if it falls under the health exception. Additionally, G.B. is concerned about being harassed, discriminated against, or assaulted in Nassau County for simply wearing a mask."
Bruce Blakeman, the Republican Nassau County Executive, stated that county officials are confident that the law will be upheld because there is a presumption of constitutionality when the legislature acts, and this legislation is reasonable and responsible.
Planet Chronicle' Timothy Nerozzi and Michael Ruiz contributed to this report
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