the problem is that some people don't apply it universally, and that isn't real empathy. a lot of what people pass off as empathy is actually narcissism.

if you have empathy for the criminal because of the circumstances they grew up in or the challenges they face (addiction/mental/etc), you must also have then have it for the civilians who want to enjoy their own public spaces freely, and don't deserve to have their sense of safety diminished by someone who is chronically violent being back on the street.

the same thing applies to the immigration debate, to the trans debate, and all the rest of them. empathy is a good thing, but only if its a two way street where both sides are understood.