Lam invokes emergency powers in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is taking drastic steps to quell escalating violence.

The city’s leader Carrie Lam has invoked colonial-era emergency powers for the first time in more than 50 years.

She hopes the move will deescalate tensions in the Chinese-ruled city.

The emergency powers put a ban on face masks and allow authorities to “make any regulations whatsoever” in any situation they deem to be in the public interest.

Lam said Hong Kong was in serious danger, but stoped short of declaring a state of emergency.