17 Homeless Die in NYC Amid Mamdani's Pro-Encampment Policy

Readers criticize mayor's handling of homelessness crisis as deadly cold hits city

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Letters to the editor in the New York Post criticize New York City Mayor Mamdani's pro-encampment policy for the homeless, which has resulted in the deaths of 17 people during a recent cold snap. Readers argue Mamdani's strategy has prioritized the rights of the homeless to live in squalid encampments over the safety and wellbeing of all New Yorkers, leading to preventable deaths from hypothermia and other causes.

Why it matters

The deaths of 17 homeless individuals during a cold snap in New York City has sparked outrage over Mayor Mamdani's policies, which have been criticized as prioritizing the 'rights' of the homeless to live in unsafe encampments over providing adequate shelter and services. This tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in addressing homelessness and the consequences when political ideology takes precedence over practical solutions to protect the most vulnerable.

The details

According to the letters, 17 homeless individuals died during the recent cold snap in New York City, with 13 deaths attributed to hypothermia and 3 others appearing to be overdose-related. Readers blame Mayor Mamdani's pro-encampment policies, which ended sweeps of homeless encampments, for surrendering public spaces to 'squalor and disorder' and failing to fix the issues with the city's homeless shelters. They argue Mamdani's 'disdainful attitude' and 'Marxist' ideology have led him to prioritize the 'rights' of the homeless to live on the streets over the safety and wellbeing of all New Yorkers.

  • During the most recent cold snap in New York City

The players

Mayor Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City who has implemented a pro-encampment policy for the homeless.

Joseph Koenig

A New York Post reader who criticizes Mamdani's policies.

Celia Oliva

A New York Post reader who argues Mamdani should fix the homeless shelters instead of encouraging encampments.

Todd Pittinsky

A New York Post reader who says Mamdani has prioritized the 'rights' of the addicted to live in filth over the safety of all New Yorkers.

E. Cooper

A New York Post reader who compares Mamdani's policies to those of Marxist leaders like Stalin and Mao.

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What they’re saying

“If what we are seeing from the mayor is the warmth of collectivism, I suggest that we return to rugged individualism.”

— Joseph Koenig (New York Post)

“There's nothing compassionate about leaving someone who is suffering to rot on a sidewalk.”

— Todd Pittinsky (New York Post)

“Marxists believe the people under their control are all wards of the state, so if the population decreases, it's just less cost for those in power.”

— E. Cooper (New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.