(Molly Bruns, Headline USA) A single father and US Navy veteran who was jailed for refusing to mask during jury duty made an appearance on Tucker Carlson’s show to discuss what happened.
Gregory Hahn described it as “the worst 24 hours of his life,” and, according to the Post Millennial, he was denied a phone call when behind bars.
“I asked to be excused since I wasn’t even selected for jury duty yet, it was still orientation,” he explained. “He could’ve exempted me.”
Hahn was one of nearly 100 other candidates for jury duty in Harnett County, North Carolina, before the incident, all of whom were gathered at the courthouse where masks are not mandated.
No other jurors were notified that they must ask before entering the building.
A county clerk ordered the potential jurors to put on masks; Hahn refused, was removed and was taken right to a judge who was also unmasked.
“The judge then says, ‘Mr Hahn, I understand you don’t want to wear a mask?’ And I said ‘That’s correct,'” Hahn explained in the interview. “And he says ‘Well, why don’t you want to wear a mask?'”
Hahn continued, explaining that the governor lifted the mask mandate back in May, and it was no longer a requirement in the courthouse.
“Well, it’s my court and I’m going to order you to wear a mask,” said the judge.
Hahn again refused, and it was explained that the consequences for being held in contempt of the court could be a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail.
Hahn was punished with 24 hours in jail.
“They give the government an excuse to punish people for no reason whatsoever and to sort the obedient from the disobedient,” the Fox News host said.
Responding, Hahn explained that he believes the judge was not prepared for resistance and “had to go forward with his decision.
He also expressed dismay that others did not join him in his resistance, but ended the interview on a hopeful note.
“It’s hard doing the right things and I told my kids you know, always stand up for what you believe and don’t be bullied and stand up for what you believe in,” Hahn concluded.
