Daniel Penny Acquitted in Subway Chokehold Death; Verdict Sparks Outrage and Debate
Daniel Penny, a former Marine, was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, a mentally ill homeless man, after a jury deadlocked on the manslaughter charge. The verdict followed a trial where the prosecution argued Penny’s chokehold, lasting nearly six minutes, was reckless and unjustified, while the defense claimed Penny acted to protect fellow passengers and that Neely’s death resulted from a combination of factors. The case sparked intense debate, dividing public opinion along political and racial lines, and highlighted concerns about subway safety, homelessness, and mental health issues. The acquittal prompted protests and expressions of outrage from Neely’s family and supporters.
John Q. Hosedrinker