“If they are simply at an assembly or protest and wearing a mask, ripping off their mask could be considered assault.”
What if the act of wearing a mask is in itself illegal. It is illegal in many cities for an adult to wear a mask in public (laws enacted against the KKK).
“What if the act of wearing a mask is in itself illegal. It is illegal in many cities for an adult to wear a mask in public.”
Unless you can show that the person wearing the mask posed a direct threat or has assaulted you, you could be charged with assault.
So, you can’t go to the 4th of July Parade and pull off someone’s Uncle Sam mask and you should not pul off Santa’s mask ringing a Salvation Army bell.