Transit Police withhold names of two SkyTrain passengers charged in attack on a female passenger

The victim asked if they had masks to wear, prompting an unprovoked assault

by Charlie Smith on November 3rd, 2021 at 9:18 PM

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Local media outlets dutifully reported the latest news release from Transit Police.

The police force responsible for ensuring safety and security on public transportation described an incident on September 20 on the SkyTrain.

A woman was concerned when two passengers sitting near her were not wearing masks in violation of the rule requiring them.

After she asked them if they had masks, she was attacked "without provocation".

A 19-year-old woman has been charged with assault causing bodily harm after allegedly knocking the passenger to the ground.

A 25-year-old male was charged with assault.

Both are from Burnaby and both are known to police, according to the news release.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.

When people are charged with serious criminal offences, police have the option of letting the public know their names.

In this instance, Transit Police chose not to divulge their identities.

In refusing to publish their names, it sends a message to antimaskers on the transit system: if you assault someone who wonders why you're not wearing a mask, Transit Police will protect your identity if you're charged with assault causing bodily harm.

In light of this, why did Transit Police even bother publishing the news release?