Florida Man Accused of Hitting, Threatening to Kill EPCOT Security Guard Due to Issues with Face Mask Rules
Orlando FL Aug 27 2020 As you may be aware by now, all Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and hotels, including Disney Springs, are following strict new rules requiring guests to wear proper face masks with ear loops at all times, except when eating and drinking while stationary, or inside a designated “Relaxation Zone”.
Now, the inevitable has happened, as the first violent incident has taken place stemming from guests frustrated with the new rules.
According to the Orlando Sentinel‘s Gabrielle Russon, Enrico Toro, 35, is accused of hitting an EPCOT security guard in the head and threatening to kill him after he was repeatedly reminded to follow the new face mask rules. Toro is charged with misdemeanor battery.
Disney has released a statement regarding the incident:
“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.”
Toro responded with his version of the events, saying that the security guard swore at him before an argument ensued. He and his family arrived at EPCOT on August 14 wearing masks that reportedly did not fit the face mask guidelines, and were asked to return. However, once they did, one of their children still wore a mask that did not fit the rules. Toro refused to leave a second time.
The security guard was not injured and was willing to press charges. Toro was arrested.
