Video of Maskless GOP Event Attended by Texas Governor Goes Viral After He Tests Positive

 Evan BrechtelAug. 18, 2021@AbbottCampaign/Twitter // Montinique Monroe/Getty Images

The state of Texas is inundated with cases of the virus that’s killed over 600 thousand Americans, but its Republican governor—Greg Abbott—has proved determined to push back against even the most basic safety measures.

Abbott banned mask mandates in the state—including in schools where children under 12 are ineligible to get the vaccine—despite the proven effectiveness of masks at slowing the spread of the virus. He’s also fought against private businesses requiring vaccines for their employees and customers, even threatening to revoke the liquor licenses of restaurants and bars that do so.