"David Hofer died this month, shot in a park by a 22-year-old with a long criminal record, who police said had stolen guns from a neighbor."
First of all my condolences to the family, friends and fiancée of Officer Hofer.
Now, why was this long time, known criminal not in a strictly supervised program where he could do no harm? Why wasn't he in prison? Why?
This is just a senseless, brutal murder that could have been prevented. Also, why weren't the firearms locked up? No homeowner should have guns just laying around. They should have been secured. That homeowner should also be prosecuted for negligence. The guns should have been secured, not loaded and any ammunition should also have been locked up as well.
First of all my condolences to the family, friends and fiancée of Officer Hofer.
Now, why was this long time, known criminal not in a strictly supervised program where he could do no harm? Why wasn't he in prison? Why?
This is just a senseless, brutal murder that could have been prevented. Also, why weren't the firearms locked up? No homeowner should have guns just laying around. They should have been secured. That homeowner should also be prosecuted for negligence. The guns should have been secured, not loaded and any ammunition should also have been locked up as well.
2
Homeowners will keep their firearms wherever it pleases them. Criminals will stop breaking into homes when their leg bones are broken.
2
With the United States' lack of gun-control laws no place is safe, especially not Texas.
6
Police are usually from the same working-class that gives us our nurses, teachers, firemen, construction workers and so-on that make society work. They are us. We have our dreams. When a killer slays a human being, a killer slays dreams. They are the dreams we have for ourselves and our children and as servants of society...our dreams for humanity. I identify strongly with this man and his family. There are no words to cover this. But we must never become cynical. Good police work is an expression that goodness will overcome evil. -Rudy
2
I'm so sorry about the death of officer Hofer. Thank you for telling me about him.
1
Honor his life and those whom he loved and those who loved him.
Once more we see a person whose life was taken when he was much too young.
Once more we see a person whose life was taken when he was much too young.
1
My condolences to the family. Tell me, tell me, tell me NYT editorial board why the guy that killed this fine human being, does not deserve the death penalty. Give me one reasonable good reason (besides the liberal clap trap "he is still a human, he has a family, he can contribute") why he has the right to continue to live. If this cop had been the son of an editorial board member they would be singing a different tune.
I will look forward to reading about his execution. Texas knows how to handle cop killers. Warm up old sparky.
I don't know why I am writing this comment it won't be posted anyhow after its read by the NYT.
I will look forward to reading about his execution. Texas knows how to handle cop killers. Warm up old sparky.
I don't know why I am writing this comment it won't be posted anyhow after its read by the NYT.
14
The gunman was killed immediately by the police officers with Officer Hofer.
8
One need not posit any special worth or virtue on the part of the thug to oppose statemurder. A person shouldn't be killed unless that person needs killing. In our society that means a clear and present physical danger. To kill otherwise, for public spectacle or vengeance, makes those who kill no better than the criminals. Those who wish to pursue vengeance or a blood feud would be less reprehensible doing so on their own rather than sticking the state with their animus. And that's why they shouldn't kill the thug, as much as he may deserve it
10
Um... people who commit murder ARE a 'clear and present danger' to the general public. In Texas we say, "Some people just need killin'." Or as Kinky Friedman used to say, "I'm not against the death penalty--I'm against the wrong person being' executed."
2
I too express my condolences, but I grew up in East Flatbush. I would lay out my clothes every night so that if someone broke in to the front room, where I slept, I might have a chance to escape.
When we combine functions, cops can be social workers and teachers. Until then, let paramilitary organizations do what they can to keep us safe. The wild west has not been civilized and should not be seen as a safer alternative.
Idealists, you can work with police but not be one. Criminals will not respect your motives, nor share your values. Perhaps this young man, with his privileged background, didn't learn to be appropriately cautious.
I'm qualified for the Civilian Complaint Review Board. While in the Academy, I had the chance to lecture the head of Internal Affairs that what happened to Amadou Diallo was inexcusable and the force changed tactics. Rhetoric matters: it can dehumanize or support.
As a child, cops were called pigs and the press spread the word. Here we go again.
When we combine functions, cops can be social workers and teachers. Until then, let paramilitary organizations do what they can to keep us safe. The wild west has not been civilized and should not be seen as a safer alternative.
Idealists, you can work with police but not be one. Criminals will not respect your motives, nor share your values. Perhaps this young man, with his privileged background, didn't learn to be appropriately cautious.
I'm qualified for the Civilian Complaint Review Board. While in the Academy, I had the chance to lecture the head of Internal Affairs that what happened to Amadou Diallo was inexcusable and the force changed tactics. Rhetoric matters: it can dehumanize or support.
As a child, cops were called pigs and the press spread the word. Here we go again.
3
this comment perplexes me . . . Officer Hofer was shot by a clearly troubled young man with a criminal history, using stolen guns. He was a NYC Police officer, and then an officer in Texas; he was trained to do what he did, clearly a bright young man with a future who wanted to do good. Why is the commenter led to think that "with his privileged background," he "didn't learn to be appropriately cautious"? Why blame the victim here?
I am the daughter of a cop and grew up around cops. There are many, many cops who are decent men and women who also want to do good. It is sad that they are all painted with the same brush of those who join the force to gain power, and then abuse that power. In no way do I deny the latter exist, but I do not by any means believe it describes the majority of officers.
A good man, a good officer, a life dedicated to helping others cut tragically short. My deep condolences to his fiancé and family; may he rest in peace.
I am the daughter of a cop and grew up around cops. There are many, many cops who are decent men and women who also want to do good. It is sad that they are all painted with the same brush of those who join the force to gain power, and then abuse that power. In no way do I deny the latter exist, but I do not by any means believe it describes the majority of officers.
A good man, a good officer, a life dedicated to helping others cut tragically short. My deep condolences to his fiancé and family; may he rest in peace.
33
The gunman was killed at the scene when the police officers who were with Officer Hofer fired back.
6
Sympathy to Officer David Hofer's family and fellow men and women in blue.
14
And my sympathy to all those innocent "perps" who were murdered by the police before the scourge of that darn iPhone camera.
My heart goes out to his family and fiancee. While, there are many good people who become cops, I think some join the police for power or because it is one of the few things they can do. Here was a man who could have done many things and chose to be a police officer and who embodied many of the qualities in the police that seem to be missing.
8
The best laid plans of mice and men gang aft agley.
The police departments of this nation need more dedicated young officers in the mold of David Hofer, the cities of Texas certainly being no exception. Though his family and comrades in New York and Euless feel his death most acutely, it affects every community.
For what small comfort it may provide...my condolences.
The police departments of this nation need more dedicated young officers in the mold of David Hofer, the cities of Texas certainly being no exception. Though his family and comrades in New York and Euless feel his death most acutely, it affects every community.
For what small comfort it may provide...my condolences.
22
Condolences to the family.