Man charged in NYC subway chokehold death set to stand trial
- Daniel Penny is facing manslaughter charges for placing Jordan Neely in a chokehold on May 1, 2023.
- The incident has sparked discussions around racial injustice, mental health, and public safety.
- The upcoming trial is expected to have significant implications for perceptions of self-defense and vigilantism.
On May 1, 2023, in a New York City subway, Daniel Penny, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, placed Jordan Neely, a mentally ill man, in a chokehold that resulted in Neely's death. Witnesses reported that Neely was acting aggressively but had not attacked anyone prior to the chokehold. Penny's defense argues that he intended to subdue Neely temporarily while awaiting police assistance, citing concerns for public safety. The ensuing trial, set to last six weeks, has sparked intense debate regarding racial injustice and the appropriate responses to perceived threats in public spaces. Jury selection began as public sentiments are divided, with some viewing Penny as a vigilante while others see Neely as a victim of systemic failures. The outcome of this trial could significantly impact perceptions of self-defense and vigilantism in urban settings.