CENTRAL PRECINCT, GOTHAM CITY – Late Wednesday night, Gotham City Police Commissioner James Gordon announced that the vigilante known as Batman had been detained for his continued and blatant violation of the federal mask mandate. 

“For years, Batman has been allowed to operate as Gotham’s shield against supervillains because he was protecting people,” said Gordon. “Unfortunately, during a once in a lifetime global pandemic, the Dark Knight refused to wear a proper mask for the sake of others. Therefore, for the sake of Gotham, the GCPD has detained the Batman.” 

Though Batman is a fairly controversial figure among Gothamites, the public response to his detainment has been largely positive. “At a time like this, it’s important that we all do our parts to maintain public health,” said Dr. Victor Fries. “Minimizing the virus like The Batman has is counterproductive. And yet, all I hear from some media outlets is that the virus is ‘nothing more than the common cold’. Trust me, I know colds. This is far worse.” 

“During a public health crisis like this, we all need to protect the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Dr. Thomas Elliot, a surgeon at Gotham General. “Quite frankly, it’s infuriating that it’s taken this long for the GCPD to hush these dangerous voices that mock public health.” 

Commissioner Gordon later issued a follow-up statement announcing that the Batman had been released, but that he would face serious fines and could face additional legal action should he continue to ignore the mask mandate. Gordon also added that other maskless heroes who visit – including Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash and Aqua Man – Gotham would be subject to the same penalties. 

It is believed that billionaire and vocal Batman-supporter Bruce Wayne has offered to pay the Dark Knight’s fines as well as any legal fees that may result from his refusal to wear a mask.