A victim of unwise decisions and circumstances Bronx: The decision of Alex Pretti to bring a concealed firearm to a volatile confrontation with federal agents contributed greatly to his sad and tragic demise. The notion that he was there to simply document the events with his phone is undermined by video from a week and a half earlier that shows him aggressively inserting himself into a situation by cursing and spitting at the agents before kicking out the taillight of their vehicle as they’re attempting to depart. He wasn’t protesting peacefully, he was agitating violently. He was advancing, not retreating as is required by Minnesota’s “Duty to Retreat” law. At the very least, it was highly irresponsible and made no legal or ethical sense, especially given his recent history, to bring a concealed firearm to an emotional conflict with law enforcement. He should have been arrested and charged after the earlier encounter, which likely would have caused the revocation of his carry permit. Instead, he was identified as a threat during the later encounter because he was carrying the gun, which resulted in the use of deadly force against him by the agents. At the same time, had local police been on the scene at these events to maintain order while ensuring that the protest remained peaceful, Pretti would likely still be alive today. But the mayor and governor deliberately withheld the local cops because the ensuing chaos drives their political agenda, which is why they ultimately bear responsibility for this entire tragic and senseless debacle. Charles T. Compton Looking for trouble Deer Park, L.I.: To Voicer Danette Lipten: You should get your facts straight. You used the term “peaceful opposition” in your letter. I saw a video of Pretti kicking out a taillight. That is not peaceful opposition in any way, shape or form. He should have been arrested and not killed. However, he used poor judgment bringing a licensed firearm to a demonstration. Larry Nekola Insurrection inversion Howard Beach: File this under “Did he really say that?” President Trump said Pretti could be considered an insurrectionist because he kicked the taillight of an ICE agent’s car. Trump called the rioters on Jan. 6 patriots and heroes after they attacked and beat up Capitol Police officers. Hard not to believe that this man is not mentally ill. Barbara Berg Victim blaming Far Rockaway: To Voicer Tom Ascher: How dare you disparage the memory of the victims: Renee Good, Keith Porter Jr. and Alex Pretti. These people were killed by ICE and Border Patrol agents who were inadequately trained and should not have been hired in the first place. The “left’s hatred of Trump” did not cause their deaths. My condolences to their families, since you are not man enough to say it. Ora Reed Within bounds Dover, Del.: Voicer Tom Ascher failed to mention that President Barack Obama did deport folks using ICE, but they used proper procedures. Never did they randomly stop American citizens requesting papers! Each and every person was served with papers, and the court system was used to deport those with criminal convictions — never shooting folks after terrorizing entire neighborhoods. They never just grabbed families and those going through the process of becoming citizens. Chalky White Fascist fashion Manalapan, N.J.: If you’ve ever watched an old war movie, perhaps Gregory Bovino’s uniform looks familiar. Black shirt, shiny leather Sam Browne belt, silver trim. If he asks for your papers, listen for a faint German accent. Joe Fontanelli Ultimate price Peters Township, Pa.: It is bitterly disappointing that the alleged killer of young husband and father Brian Thompson will not suffer execution, the ultimate penalty for what was a cold-blooded, vicious, targeted assassination. If that’s not first-degree murder, which qualifies one to be forced to sacrifice their life, I do not know what would be. God help us if murderous vigilantism becomes the norm in this country; that when we do not like someone or how their company has acted, we gun them down. An example should have been set, an execution to take place in close proximity to conviction rather than 20, 30 or 40 years later. Oren Spiegler Disgraceful leniency Merion Station, Pa.: There’s only one word to describe the reduction of child molester Nechemya Weberman’s 50-year sentence to 18: “shanda,” a Yiddish word meaning disgrace. Obviously, this word applies to Weberman, but it also applies to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and Assistant DA Joseph Alexis, who initially considered letting Weberman go free after he had served only 15 years. Shanda also applies to members of the Satmar community who continue to support Weberman’s release despite his admission in court that he molested an underage girl. A sentence of 18 years further adds to the victim’s pain, as 18, meaning life in Hebrew, symbolizes the pain that Weberman’s crimes will continue inflicting on her for the remainder of her life. Paul L. Newman Destitute Bellerose: Homeless people died from the freezing cold during Winter Storm Fern. The homeless are people too! Mayor Mamdani understands that only too well and seeks to do more to help them, but more must be done. I understand what they’re going through because I’ve been in that situation. I was homeless in 1975 after my service in the U.S. Navy ended after the Vietnam War. I had no one who could help me. It was February. I was cold and had sores on my body from not bathing. I was alone and depressed. But a stranger named Cyril offered a place to stay and a chance to get on my feet. We have veterans and people with mental health issues and drug problems who don’t get the help they need. Our government has a responsibility to help these homeless people in the bitter cold or they will surely die. Frederick Robert Bedell Jr. Paying for less Bronx: First, Optimum cable no longer aired Spectrum NY1 News last year. Then their NBA contract expired. Now Optimum’s MLB contract is also not available. So in essence, subscribers have less and less. I’m wondering what will be taken away next. I don’t think Verizon is available in my neighborhood. Maybe Spectrum. Eric Cummings Jr. Iconic mom Brooklyn: When I heard that Catherine O’Hara died at 71, I felt sad. I remember going to see “Home Alone” and “Beetlejuice” with my sons. Both of them loved those movies. My son Patrick is now in Heaven since 2007. Frankie and he used to tease me and say I was a lot like the mother in “Home Alone.” A compliment, not a dig, as Catherine put real authenticity into her role. She was the same age as I am. I still see her on the commercials with Kevin Hart. Her performance was heavenly. The two sons she raised should take pride in knowing how many lives she touched. Now Heaven is a little fuller, yet Earth is emptier because we lost a true mother figure. May she rest in peace, and may the memories shared with her give strength to her family and friends. Sharon Cesario Great guy New Windsor, N.Y.: To Voicer Gina Touissant: I had tears in my eyes when I read your letter about your father. There’s a Yiddish word we use for people like him, and that word is “mensch.” He sounds like the kind we’d love to have conversation and coffee with. The very best to your father, and many more. Happy birthday, Mr. Touissant, and welcome to the centenarian club, my friend (I’m only 40 years away). God bless. Todd Schuster ...read more read less