Problem: A homeless man with numerous criminal convictions is accused of slashing five people at Penn Station.
The Post’s coverage of the knife attack at Penn Station is commendable. However, I can’t help but think about how much worse it could have been if the perpetrator had used a gun instead of a knife. Why is it that, despite incidents like this, some, including Mayor Mamdani, still back the “defund the police” movement? And why oppose practices like “stop and frisk” that could help?
The recent attack and various assaults on police officers and senior citizens indicate a pressing need for more law enforcement support. We should definitely back our officers in any way possible.
— John Francis Fox, Sunny Side
This incident at Penn Station raises questions about the accountability of agencies that are supposed to ensure transit safety.
For too long, the vulnerable and mentally ill have been overlooked by those tasked with protecting commuters. These individuals often have legal protections that allow them to roam public spaces unhindered. It’s reminiscent of Dickens’ saying, “The law is an ass.” Change is necessary.
— Phil Serpico, Queens
New York has successfully reduced gun violence, yet we are now facing a wave of stabbings. What’s next? Will politicians find themselves at the mercy of these same issues? It’s concerning.
The solution seems straightforward: remove criminals from the streets, lock them away, and let law-abiding citizens live freely. Until we stop vilifying law enforcement and supporting politicians who enable crime, I fear we’re in for more trouble.
— Marion Friedman, Bronx
It’s time to rethink how we label those in distress. The man who stabbed five people wasn’t just mentally unstable; he was criminally insane. Such individuals shouldn’t be left without supervision in communities.
Insanity, as they say, is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different outcomes; unfortunately, that seems to be the case with politicians.
— Peter Goldring, Freehold, New Jersey
Society is at its breaking point. The subway isn’t safe anymore, and it feels like we need decisive action. If NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch doesn’t take charge, we’re stuck in a rut with ineffective leadership.
We need police in the subway to tackle these issues head-on. It’s high time to push back against liberal judges and indifferent district attorneys.
— Bill Verderose, Brooklyn
Governor Hochul’s Concealed Carry Improvement Act of 2022 made it illegal for licensed citizens to carry weapons in most public spaces, effectively turning them into risky zones where criminals reign. The outcome isn’t surprising.
Criminals know their victims are unarmed. The focus on reducing gun access has primarily fallen on law-abiding citizens. This has backfired.
— Robert Mangi, Garden City
I feel I’ve been stabbed repeatedly, though it’s a different location each time. Currently, it’s Penn Station. The pattern? Homelessness coupled with a flawed justice system. When will politicians take real action?
This should serve as a wake-up call, not a party issue. Society must take responsibility for safeguarding its citizens and addressing homelessness seriously. Temporary fixes aren’t sufficient.
— Ronald Frank, West Orange, New Jersey
A mentally ill homeless man horrifically stabbed five innocent people at Penn Station. This is appalling, and such acts should never happen.
Mayor Mamdani must do more to protect New Yorkers. The NYPD needs a heightened awareness regarding mentally ill and homeless individuals on the streets. Without stronger protection, God help us, because I doubt the Mayor will.
— Frederick Bedell Jr., Bellrose
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