VIRGINIA, USA — QUESTION:
Is it a class 4 felony if someone with a conceal and carry permit in Virginia wears a face mask?
ANSWER:
No.
SOURCES:
Virginia Governor’s Office and Virginia State Police.
A meme is being widely shared on social media indicating that Virginians with a concealed carry permit could be charged with a class 4 felony for wearing a mask while carrying their gun.
We are verifying if this is true.
Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 63 requiring people in Virginia to wear face coverings in public indoor settings. That went into effect on May 29th, meaning face coverings are required in Virginia.
As far as the class 4 felony part of the meme, we reached out to Virginia State Police.
VSP's Public Relations Director, Corinne N. Geller, said it's not a class 4 felony if someone with a conceal and carry permit wears a face mask.
"It's not true and seems to be a common misconception, probably thanks to social media," Geller said. "Nowhere in Virginia is that prohibition stated."
As far as people citing Virginia Code 18.2-422 as the law making this illegal, Geller said, "if you're wearing a mask to purposely conceal your identity, versus wearing it for the other reasons listed, then it's a criminal offense."
So, we can verify this is false. If you are a conceal and carry permit holder in Virginia, it is not a class 4 felony to wear a face mask.
