More News

The Nov. 12 article, reporting that bail was denied to the man suspected of killing a teenage boy on a county bus, lays out the facts but resists drawing a key conclusion.

Less than a month before Tai Lam, 14, was shot to death, police had arrested Hector Mauricio Hernandez, who was charged in the boy's shooting, on concealed weapons charges. Rather than detain Hernandez, police released the man — an undocumented immigrant — on his own recognizance.

The Gazette reported that Hernandez had no prior criminal charges. However, Tai Lam would be alive today if the police did not look the other way on immigration violations. Now the police should have to look Tai's mother in the eyes and explain that to her.

I have enormous sympathy for hardworking immigrants. But the county's policy on this issue is irrational.

Tony Ieronimo, Rockville

In light of the recent alleged murder by an illegal immigrant on Nov. 1 in Silver Spring, I propose that when an arrest is made for a violent crime (both misdemeanors and felonies), the suspect is subjected to an immigration status check. If they are found to be here illegally, then they should be detained and deported.

If everyone is checked, then there can be no charge of racial profiling. If there is an objection to this by groups like Casa of Maryland, then it is tacit consent for violent criminal behavior.

There are instant checks for firearms. Why can't we do the same for immigration status?

Andrew Magno, Derwood

I was disappointed that the Nov. 12 article and many official discussions of the tragic shooting of Blair High School student Tai Lam failed to address the easily concealed handgun used to kill an innocent victim on public transportation.

As a community addressing gangs or any other type of violence, we will not make real progress until we first decide that our kids, our families and our safety are more important than easy access to guns. Long-term efforts on curbing gangs is fine, but our priority should be to address reasonable restrictions on guns and especially handguns, which will also greatly help to curb the alarming rate of domestic violence.

We can no longer shrug off deaths like Lam's without looking in the mirror and asking: "Why was that gun there, and how could we have prevented it?" The media owe it to us all to ask and report in detail about guns used in every violent crime so we can start thinking of practical solutions. Lessen the impact of gun violence by focusing on the weapon first. Fix gangs and criminals in society later.

Gun owners and enthusiasts who bristle at this simple plan should ask themselves how they can justify a hobby or the illusion of self-protection as more important than Lam's life or any life.

Bonnie Beavers, Chevy Chase

Open letter to County Executive Isiah Leggett:

I find it interesting that you find "that the immigration issue is a thorny one on many fronts." If you were going to be honest, you would recognize I am talking about illegal immigration, not "immigration," as you put it.

The recent murder of a 14-year-old student from Blair High School by an illegal immigrant from El Salvador is something you will have to live with for the rest of your life. The illegal immigrant was picked up more than a month ago by county police. He was carrying an illegal weapon but was released by the police department.

You have created a "sanctuary" county in Montgomery County. The quality of life has diminished over the last 10 to 15 years ( I have lived here since 1974). My family has decided to move out of the county rather than arm ourselves to feel protected.

Les Francis, Rockville