An Oregon State Police soldier who refused to wear a mask at a Corvallis cafeteria on Wednesday was reportedly put on leave.
“F — Kate Brown,” the soldier reportedly told the store’s deputy manager, referring to the state governor, a Democrat.
Brown’s state mask mandate to fight the coronavirus went into effect that same day, Oregon FOX 12 reported.
Governor Brown has no authority to take our civil liberties. We’re not going to wear masks, “Travis Boss of the cafeteria reportedly said, according to Portland OregonLive.com.
GOVERNOR OF OREGON SAYS HOSPITALS COULD LEAVE IF CORONAVIRUS CASES ARE NOT REDUCED, MANDATES FACE COVERS
Other soldiers who entered the same store were also not wearing masks, but Boss said he complied with their drink orders because they were in uniform, although he declined to serve other customers who would not wear masks, according to the report.
The store, Allan’s Coffee & Tea, then reported the incident to local police, prompting the state police to initiate an investigation, state police Capt. Timothy Fox told the media.
None of the state police have been identified, USA Today reported.
After the newspaper wrote about the incident, Oregon State Police Superintendent Travis Hampton posted a message on Twitter apologizing for the soldiers’ behavior, calling it “shameful and indefensible.”
“Let me be clear,” wrote Hampton, “Oregon State Police soldiers are not above the law and this conduct is being addressed immediately. As the leader of the Oregon State Police, I would like to offer my apologies to the cafeteria and community employees. “
“Not only are police officers expected to comply with the Governor’s emergency declaration orders, but I hope they set the example for Oregon residents as we strive to fight this invisible enemy: the Coronavirus,” added Hampton.
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Across the United States, police interactions with the public have generated increased scrutiny since George Floyd’s death on May 25 in police custody in Minneapolis. Floyd’s death, which led to the arrest of four police officers, including one on murder charges, triggered a series of riots and protests that continued this month in some cities.
Brown’s mask mandate applies to all closed public settings in the state. A previous mandate applied only to eight counties.
