Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old ex-Marine, has defended his actions after putting Jordan Neely, a New York City subway passenger, in a chokehold that led to his death. Penny and other passengers claim they acted in self-defense as Neely had a history of violent and erratic behavior due to untreated mental illness, and was aggressively threatening them. Penny expressed his condolences to Neely’s family and said he never intended to harm him. The incident has brought attention to crime and homelessness in public transport, and authorities are currently deciding whether to press charges for Neely’s death, which has been ruled a homicide.
A freelance journalist captured a video showing Daniel Penny, a former Marine, holding Jordan Neely around the neck for almost three minutes, while two other passengers restrained his arms. Neely, who was allegedly acting erratically, later became motionless on the floor. Penny reportedly told other passengers to call 911 during the struggle. A grand jury is expected to meet to decide whether to bring charges against Penny, who may argue that his actions were in self-defense. Prosecutors must prove that he used deadly force without believing that Neely was also prepared to use deadly force, according to experts.
Following Jordan Neely’s chokehold death, protests have been held, demanding that an arrest be made. In response, Daniel Penny’s lawyers issued a statement expressing condolences to Neely’s family and calling for a new commitment from elected officials to address the mental health crisis on the streets and subways.
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