Carrie Lam Declares State of Emergency, Banning Protesters to Wear Face Mask!

On Friday, October 4, 2019, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has declared a state of emergency and banned face masks, effectively on the next day as the tension of the protest escalated.

In a press conference today, Lam explained the reason for the ban, saying it was necessary because most of the protesters who vandalized and violated public properties and such had their faces covered.

“The purpose was to hide their identity and evade the law and they have become more and more daring,” Lam said.

The announcement came after one particular protester was shot in the chest by live gunfire from the police officer.