Jordan Neely Criminal Case Ends in Acquittal for Daniel Penny

The acquittal of Daniel Penny in the death of Jordan Neely on a New York subway has renewed debates on race, public safety, and mental health.

At a Glance

Daniel Penny, a former Marine, was acquitted of negligent homicide charges.
The incident sparked widespread discussions on racial dynamics and mental health.
Neely, a homeless Black man with mental health issues, died from a chokehold.
The verdict has led to protests demanding systemic changes.
Diverse reactions surface from the public and political figures.

The Subway Incident

Daniel Penny, a white former Marine, was acquitted of charges in the death of Jordan Neely, a Black homeless man, on a New York City subway. Neely was reportedly shouting and asking for money but did not physically harm anyone. The incident resulted in Penny restraining Neely with a chokehold for six minutes. The jury, deliberating for five days, found Penny not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt on charges of criminally negligent homicide.

Prosecutors had earlier dropped a more serious charge of second-degree manslaughter, which could have led to a 15-year sentence, allowing the jury to consider a lesser charge. Neely’s death was ruled as due to neck compression, though Penny’s defense argued there were potential impacts from drugs and a genetic predisposition.

NEW YORK CITY—A Manhattan jury on Dec. 9 acquitted Daniel Penny of criminally negligent homicide over the death of Jordan Neely, a mentally ill homeless man whom Penny put in a chokehold and wrestled to the ground on a subway in May of last year.

Read the article here:… pic.twitter.com/flLRRTq0Yi

— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) December 10, 2024

Public Reaction and Protests

The trial outcome has produced a wide range of reactions. Protests and demonstrations, including involvement from Black Lives Matter, have voiced strong opposition to the verdict. Figures like Al Sharpton have criticized the decision, and Neely’s family expressed devastation, claiming the verdict devalues lives of vulnerable individuals facing mental health challenges.

“No one deserves to be choked to death,” Gwen Carr said.

The case has brought to light significant issues with New York City’s mental health support systems and public safety measures. Calls for systemic changes echo across various communities, highlighting the need for better management of mental health crises in public spaces.

Political and Social Implications

The trial and its verdict underscore ongoing racial tensions in America. Neely’s race played a key factor in supporting debates on racial justice and equality. Both conservative and liberal viewpoints emerged—some conservatives defended Penny’s actions; notable figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez critiqued the ruling. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg received threats and condemnation aimed at him and his team during the trial.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that a jury of Danny’s peers acquitted him of any wrongdoing,” Penny’s lawyers said.

Overall, the trial reveals a deeply divided public on how we address public safety, race, and mental health issues. With continuing protests and discussions, it’s likely these issues won’t fade quietly.