Doing Wrong by Floyd: Looters’ Gross Opportunism

The Post editorial on June 1 seems to agree with Mayor de Blasio’s assessment that outside agitators are responsible for the level of violence across the city (“Enemies of Us All”).

That may be technically true, but what the mayor clearly doesn’t understand is that his progressive, left-wing, antipolice, anti-prosecution policies act as a magnet for radical hate groups.

Where else would a violent rioter want to ply his trade than a city where prosecutors don’t prosecute, judges don’t judge and police are reluctant to police because of the criminal-friendly policies of City Hall? Robert Mangi

Westbury

The authorities are seemingly judged by their show of restraint, while riotous groups directed by an influx of professional anarchists steer the course, inciting property destruction and bodily harm to police.

Unabated looting, fear for personal safety and the negative impact on livelihoods must be taken into account when considering the need to change tactics and the immediate deployment of the National Guard. John Gargiulo

Queens

To those who choose to criticize the police, I would like to see how you would fare standing in the front line of these protests, while having projectiles sent your way.

The police are badly outnumbered and can’t be everywhere, and yes, we need the National Guard to assist them and protect us.

The protests need to come to an immediate end. That reprehensible officer has been fired and arrested; the three other cops who did nothing to assist George Floyd should also be arrested. But now is the time to allow the system to work.

My heart goes out to the Floyd family and to the many business and property owners that have suffered through this loss to their livelihood.

Jonathan Shaatal Staten Island

Did Mayor Putz finally get something right? He said there were outsiders inciting “vandalism and property damage.” OK, Mr. Mayor: Now that you’ve identified the problem, what are you going to do about it?

Bill Nolan Rockaway Park

Am I the only one extremely concerned about the COVID-related repercussions of the large protests in the city?

Last week, NYPD officers were arresting people for not being socially distant, and social media was buzzing about the necessity to remain home and save lives.

Today, people are telling us to go out in the streets to protest with thousands of others standing shoulder-to

shoulder. Some officers are even shaking hands with protesters to show their support.

The gesture is amazing and shows real progress, but we cannot afford lapses in social distancing right now. These protests are important, but we must stay committed to coronavirus-safe ways to show our support. Jonah Scherl Englewood, NJ

Derek Chauvin is not representative of 99 percent of police officers across the country.

His actions not only angered good cops, but made every one of their jobs that much harder.

Targeting cops with violence, defacing houses of worship, assaulting business owners, looting and burning down stores — these are not done in remembrance and in protest of George Floyd’s tragic death.

Make no mistake: The looting of electronics, liquor, sneakers and countless other items is being done by criminal opportunists, not people concerned for Floyd or any other person of color. Kathy Fortier

Long Island

Weak New York politicians with their “soft touch” attitude toward rioters won’t have to worry about a Phase 1, 2 or 3 of reopening of New York City.

Rioters are smashing store windows and looting businesses in Brooklyn and Manhattan. These businesses will be hard-pressed to reopen after several months of a lockdown and now this. Michael Greaney

Massapequa