Daniel Penny faces trial for chokehold death of homeless man

In New York, on December 11, 2024, a Manhattan jury found Daniel Penny not guilty of criminally negligent homicide following the choking death of Jordan Neely on a subway train in May 2023. The case arose when Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man with mental health issues and a history of criminal activity, began acting erratically and making threats towards passengers. Daniel Penny, a former Marine, intervened to restrain Neely in a chokehold for approximately six minutes, resulting in Neely's death, which the city medical examiner ruled as homicide. This incident garnered national attention, igniting debates over race relations, public safety, and the adequacy of social services for the homeless. The defense argued that Penny's actions were reasonable given the circumstances and that he was acting to protect other subway riders from an imminent threat. Conversely, the prosecution contended that Penny's conduct was reckless and excessive given the situation, claiming that he continued to choke Neely long after he posed any danger. The trial, marked by mixed public opinions, reflected a deeper societal struggle over issues like violence in public spaces and the treatment of individuals with mental illness. Following the verdict, there have been calls from various segments of the community for political accountability, particularly directed at Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for how he handled the case. Despite his acquittal, Daniel Penny now faces a civil lawsuit filed by Neely's father, which complicates the aftermath of this tragic event.