In the near future, I will introduce legislation to amend Title 18 by adding a new section;   5504.1. to address masked intimidation. Under the new section a person is guilty of masked intimidation if that person intentionally harasses, intimidates, or threatens any other person or group of persons while hiding or concealing their face with a mask or similar item for the primary purpose of placing them in reasonable fear for their physical safety.
 
Though these masked attacks have happened to many different people who come from many different walks of life, there has been an undeniable rise in anti-Semitic incidents following the October 7th terrorist attack in Israel. In cities and college campuses across Pennsylvania (and unfortunately, world-wide), we have seen escalated, intentional attacks on the Jewish community by individuals who hide their shameful acts behind full face coverings, causing targeted individuals to fear for their physical safety. Just last summer, a masked neo-Nazi group marched in Harrisburg with swastika flags.
 
Such individuals must be held accountable for their actions, but we must also uphold the First Amendment. This legislation is being carefully drafted to ensure accountability of perpetrators while also ensuring that individuals can continue to wear masks for health, religious, or safety reasons. 

Please join me in co-sponsoring this effort.