‘Don’t be a sheep.’ Washington sheriff mocks state’s mask requirement, video shows
A Washington state sheriff told a group of people that wearing a mask made them a “sheep,” video shows.
“In case you guys didn’t hear, Governor Inslee, in his infinite wisdom, has decided after over 100-some-odd days, that we should all wear face masks, inside and out,” Lewis County Sheriff Rob Snaza said in the video. “Here’s what I say, don’t be a sheep.”
Gov. Jay Inslee announced that face masks would be mandatory while in public across the state starting June 26 to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
“Until a vaccine or a cure is developed, this really is going to be our best defense,” the governor said at a virtual press conference Tuesday, according to The News Tribune.
Inslee told KOMO News that he was “disappointed” by Snaza’s comment.
“I think people who are law abiding like those who are wearing their seatbelts because it’s law and it’s safe and those who are wearing face masks because it is also law and it’s safe,” he told the news outlet. “I just don’t agree calling those folks barnyard animals.”
Snaza’s comments about Inslee’s mask requirement was made outside Bethel Church in Chehalis, where local residents gathered as a counter-protest to petitions about a controversial Uncle Sam sign and because of rumors of a planned Antifa protest, The Daily Chronicle reported.
Many people in the group were armed, according to the news outlet.
On Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office backtracked on Snaza’s remarks by releasing a statement encouraging “the public use of all forms of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
“Since the onset of the pandemic we have encouraged our employees to utilize all NPIs available to help balance the need between public health and public safety, as we strive to meet the need of those we serve,” the statement read.
Snaza also tried to clarify his statement to KOMO News.
“What I meant by ‘don’t be a sheep’ is what I meant is ‘don’t just be a follower,’” he said. “Ask questions. You have the right to say ‘why do I have to do this? Why are people going and trying to take away our First Amendment rights?’ Stand up, fight for yourself and just be that leader that we’re looking for in our community.”
This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 5:17 PM with the headline "‘Don’t be a sheep.’ Washington sheriff mocks state’s mask requirement, video shows."