Because being hidden behind a mask certainly emboldens them

[VTderry]

to be more aggressive, violent, and cruel than if they feared being immediately identified on social media-- or, worse yet, by friends/neighbors/family who are unaware that they have gone full jackbooted thug.

They claim they are concerned about "retaliation" (i.e. having done unto them) but the court of public opinion is what they truly fear.