The mayor of the city of Stillwater in the state of Oklahoma walked back an order requiring customers to wear face masks while inside businesses after store employees were threatened with violence, NBC News reports.
Mayor Will Joyce announced the change Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours after the declaration took effect.
“In the short time beginning on May 1, 2020, that face coverings have been required for entry into stores/restaurants, store employees have been threatened with physical violence and showered with verbal abuse,” City Manager Norman McNickle said in a statement. “In addition, there has been one threat of violence using a firearm.”
In a series of tweets posted on Friday, Joyce said that while he expected some negative reaction to his order, he didn’t expect citizens to threaten the employees of their local business establishments.
“I hate that our businesses and their employees had to deal with abuse today, and I apologize for putting them in that position,” he wrote.
“I am not the kind of person who backs down from bullies, but I also will not send someone else to fight the battle for me,” he added in a later tweet.
Now, face masks are “strongly recommended for customers.
“To the people who resort to threats and intimidation when asked to take a simple step to protect your community: shame on you. Our freedom as Americans comes with responsibilities, too,” Joyce continued. “We must find common ground and work together to deal with the circumstances our society is facing. Whether or not we agree on the details, we have to find ways to cooperate in the task before us.”
