Concealed Pistol License holders can carry their sidearm while wearing face masks, according to the Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs.
The question was brought up on social media after state Secretary of Health John Wiesman issued an order mandating facial coverings when people are indoors in public areas and when they are outdoors in public areas where 6 feet of social distancing can’t be maintained.
Steven Strachan, executive director of the Washington State Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, released a notice on Wednesday afternoon, saying he believes there is no law barring carrying a sidearm and wearing a mask.
“We have looked for any specific reference to masks in RCWs or WACs,” Strachan said. “The only possibly related law we can find is RCW 9.41.270, but this does not directly refer to masks.
“There seems to be no other reference to masks in relation to CPLs, although there may be some in other states.”
The RCW he references states weapons can not be carried at a time or place “that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for safety of other persons,” according to the RCW.
