National

A rail conductor asked a passenger to put a mask on. Then the rider attacked him, police say.

By Timothy Bella
Yesterday at 8:01 p.m. EDT

Daniel Libby was set to board a Boston-area train when a rail conductor asked the passenger for a simple request: Put a mask on.

But instead of adhering to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s mask mandate for riders regardless of vaccination status to help curb the spread of the coronavirus, the 40-year-old man responded Wednesday by allegedly attacking the conductor who asked him to wear a face covering.

Libby, of Middleborough, Mass., was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a public official, MBTA police said in a news release. Police said the man “responded with several expletives and refused to place a mask on” at the Braintree MBTA Commuter Rail Station.

“It was then alleged Libby shoved the victim and used his shoulder to force his way into the train,” police said Friday.

Libby did not immediately respond to a request for comment Sunday. It’s unclear whether he has an attorney. His vaccination status was not mentioned by police.

If convicted, Libby faces up to 2½ years in prison and a fine between $500 and $5,000, according to Massachusetts state law.

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By Timothy Bella
Timothy Bella is a staff writer and editor for the General Assignment team, focusing on national news. His work has appeared in outlets such as Esquire, the Atlantic, New York magazine and the Undefeated. Twitter https://twitter.com/TimBella