Daniel Penny found not guilty in NYC subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely
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Penny Acquitted in NYC Subway Chokehold Death
Above: Daniel Penny arrives at the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse on Dec. 9, 2024 in New York City. Image copyright: Alex Kent/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Daniel Penny, a 26-year-old former Marine, Monday was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the May 2023 chokehold death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway.
The jury deliberated for over 20 hours across five days, first deadlocking on a manslaughter charge before that charge was dismissed by Judge Maxwell Wiley at the prosecutors' request.
The Spin
Right narrative
Penny was rightfully acquitted for stepping in where New York’s broken justice system failed. Progressive policies have enabled dangerous offenders to roam free, endangering citizens. Penny protected others in a moment of crisis, but voters bear responsibility for electing leaders who prioritize ideology over safety. Without balanced reforms, such tragedies will continue.
Left narrative
Neely, an unarmed Black man, didn't deserve to die because of his mental illness and erratic behavior. The far-right's celebration of Penny's acquittal — which may be motivated by racism — glorifies vigilantes who act violently, especially against marginalized groups, under the guise of self-defense. Penny’s acquittal promotes fear and lethal force instead of compassion or systemic solutions.