Stories about incensed patrons lashing out violently at workers enforcing mask policies at businesses and public institutions have been widespread since the world began to claw its way back from COVID-19 shutdowns. Now, Disney World has joined the list.

In an Aug. 14 incident at the amusement park, Enrico Toro, 35, of Orlando was arrested for allegedly assaulting a park guard, 29, near the Epcot attraction and threatening to kill him. The guard had asked Toro, his wife and their three children to follow the park’s mask requirements. The ones they were wearing did not meet specifications.

“We expect guests to treat our cast members with courtesy and respect, and while the vast majority of guests have adapted to our new measures, this unfortunate case required law enforcement,” Disney spokeswoman Andrea Finger said in a statement.

After initially being sent away, the Toro family went to their car, came back but were turned away again because as one child’s mask still did not meet park standards. At this point, Toro began to curse at park staff and said, “Call the police. They will have to shoot me to leave,” the arrest report said.

Once the guard reached for his cellphone to contact a supervisor about Toro’s behavior, the irate guest smacked him on the head with an “open hand.”

“The male continued cussing at [the security guard] and began threatening that he knew where he lived and was going to kill him,” the arrest report added.

After his arrest, Toro said the guard had cursed at him and started the argument, denying all other accusations. However, three witnesses backed up the guard’s account of the incident.

This is the first known mask policy incident to generate an official crime report at Disney World.

Hundreds queued to get into Disney World in Florida
Orange County has declared a state of emergency, and Disney World will start requiring guests to wear face masks indoors starting July 30. Gregg Newton / Gregg Newton
RELATED STORIES
Coronavirus