Back to mobile site

US Justice Department sues Virginia over mask ban

June 11, 2026 7:27 PM EDT

United States Department of Justice logo and U.S. flag are seen in this illustration taken April 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

WASHINGTON, June ‌11 (Reuters) - The ​U.S. ​Justice Department on Thursday sued the state of ‌Virginia over what it described ⁠as the state's "unconstitutional attempt to regulate" ‌federal agents by banning ‌masks for law enforcement.

• The department alleges that Virginia's ban ​threatens the safety of federal officers.

• "Virginia's anti-law enforcement policies ⁠regulate the federal government and are designed ​to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand," ​acting U.S. Attorney ‌General Todd Blanche said in a statement.

• Virginia ⁠Attorney General Jay Jones said his office is reviewing the lawsuit.

• ⁠The bill restricting law enforcement from wearing ​facial coverings was signed into law by the state's governor, Abigail Spanberger, ‌last month.

• Other states, including California and New York, ‌have also moved to ⁠impose similar restrictions.

(Reporting ‌by Jasper ​Ward in Washington; Editing by Chris Reese and Jacqueline ‌Wong)



Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

You May Also Be Interested In





Related Categories

Reuters