The Issue: Migrants arrested on gun charges being released without bail highlights the city’s squatting crisis.
Releasing these defendants without bail is a case study on the erosion of our system of law enforcement (“Loose cannons,” April 3).
These squatting defendants reportedly terrorized a neighborhood with guns, drugs and pure thuggery. Though the charges were bail-eligible, the presiding judge overruled the district attorney’s bail request and released six of the accused with no bail at all. Instead of protecting the public, the court creates even more mayhem by sending these miscreants back to the streets, emboldening them to crank up their lawlessness.
Cases like this take a wrecking ball to our sense of safety and order. The judge should be held accountable for miserably failing the community.
Peter Janoff
Stamford, Conn.
These days, it seems that police, when dealing with squatters, merely give a canned remark that the issue is a “civil matter” and let the squatter remain in place.
The landlords must spend months in court, collecting no rent while paying attorneys, just to retake possession of their property.
This laissez faire attitude is a result of New York City’s terrible squatters’ rights law, which takes effect after 30 days.
Demetrius Kalamaras
Brooklyn
One of the main responsibilities of politicians is to protect citizens — and their property. Politicians must find a better solution.
But they are captured by woke nonsense from the liberal left. It’s time to get off the woke train and protect decent people.
Fred Corrado
N. Palm Beach, Fla.
I was appalled to read about squatters suing the rightful owners of a Queens duplex after refusing to vacate their property (“ ‘Squatters’ sue,” April 1).
It’s pretty audacious to invade someone’s beloved home, claim it as your own and then drag the owners into court.
Google’s dictionary defines a squatter as someone who “unlawfully occupies” someone else’s property. These people are breaking the law.
Any bleeding-heart liberal who defends a squatter deserves to have his own home invaded, so that he can experience the aggravation and financial drain squatters are causing law-abiding citizens.
Carmine Andolini
Brooklyn
The Issue: Pro-Palestine protesters interrupt Easter Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday.
On Easter Sunday, “Free Palestine” protesters disrupted mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (“Mass-hysteria at St. Patrick’s,” April 1).
This was a totally disrespectful act interrupting people’s holy day. They should be ashamed of themselves for this protest, which ruined a peaceful gathering.
It’s bad enough protesters are disrupting the city with blocked bridges and sidewalks, as well as marring holidays and other events.
Those who wish to protest have the right, but they should not disrupt religious traditions.
Joseph Comperchio
Brooklyn
Imagine if a major mosque in the United States was invaded during religious services by political protesters.
Such an event would likely be denounced as “Islamophobic” and disrespectful to a house of worship.
Julia Lutch
Davis, Calif.
Freedom of religion is one of the pillars of American greatness, as well as the rule of law. The protesters who invaded on a day sacred to Catholics clearly do not value this right, enshrined in the Constitution.
Charles Vermont
Bentonville, Ark
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