Violence over mask policy won’t be tolerated, governor says

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s governor and lieutenant governor threw their support behind a small business at the heart of a dispute over mask policy on Monday. 

Police arrested a man accused of threatening employees at The Stockist when they asked him to wear a mask. Monday, Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson visited the store, near 9th and 9th in Salt Lake City, to show her support for the owner and employees.

Stopped by The Stockist to express my support for the store’s owner and her employees. Businesses have every right to protect workers and customers by requiring masks. It’s a small ask to expect people to be respectful and kind. FYI, SLC still has mask mandate. #utpol pic.twitter.com/lnM2p0v1AR

— Deidre Henderson (@DeidreHenderson) April 12, 2021

Henderson followed her initial tweet with a photo of earrings she purchased at the shop. 

Governor weighs in on mask policy, threats

On KSL NewsRadio’s Dave & Dujanovic program Monday, Gov. Spencer Cox warned threats would be prosecuted, after the confrontation at The Stockist and at least one other threat of violence related to the end of the statewide mask mandate, on a Utah Transit Authority Train. 

“That’s unacceptable and — by the way, it’s still illegal to threaten people with their life,” Cox said on the program. “We will hold those people accountable and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.” 

The governor pointed out businesses have the right under the law to enforce rules, including policies about mask-wearing, on their property. 

“Look, be respectful,” he added. “Let’s be kind with each other. We know this has been a hard go for everyone.” 

The statewide mask mandate ended April 10 as the result of legislative action signed into law by the governor, but it does not apply to schools in the state, and businesses may also still require masks. 

 

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