LA mayor considering mask ban after violent Gaza protest outside synagogue

Following an attack outside a California synagogue by violent-pro-Palestinian agitators, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced that the city would be looking into banning the wearing of masks at protests. 

Bass announced at a Monday press conference that her office would be contacting the city attorney "to talk about several things that we need to examine, for example, permits for protests, the idea of people wearing masks at protests, and establishing clear lines of demarcation between what is legal and what is not."

According to KTLA, Bass also announced that the LAPD had increased patrols in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood, where the synagogue is located, as well as outside other houses of worship.

"[Sunday’s] violence in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood was abhorrent, and blocking access to a place of worship is unacceptable," Bass said. "I want to be clear that Los Angeles will not be a harbor for antisemitism and violence. Those responsible for either will be found and held accountable."

Violent clashes occurred outside the Adas Torah Synagogue in Los Angeles around 1:40 pm, with pro-Palestinian agitators surrounding the house of worship. Jews formed a line around the synagogue to protect it, while other worshipers were prevented by the agitators from entering the synagogue. At least one pro-Israel supporter and one journalist were beaten. One person was arrested.

Los Angeles is not the only area weighing the banning of masks amid the increase in violent Gaza protests. New York Governor Kathy Hochul in early June was weighing the idea of implementing a partial mask ban in New York City. The discussions reportedly focused largely on NYC subways, though Hochul said that lawmakers were not ruling out prohibiting masks from being worn at protests.