A Manhattan jury will soon decide the fate of Daniel Penny, the U.S. Marine Corps veteran charged with manslaughter for placing Jordan Neely in a deadly chokehold on a New York City subway in May 2023. Penny’s trial, expected to last six weeks, begins with jury selection this week and is set to spotlight racial tensions, mental health crises, and crime in America’s largest city.
To some, Penny is seen as a vigilante who used excessive force on a vulnerable Black man, while others view him as a hero who tried to protect subway passengers from Neely’s erratic behavior. The incident, which sparked protests and national debate, occurred when Penny, with the help of two passengers, subdued Neely after the mentally ill man reportedly shouted threats. Neely, a former Michael Jackson impersonator, was pinned down in a chokehold for over three minutes, leading to his death. Penny claims he was simply trying to de-escalate the situation.
The trial, a flashpoint in ongoing discussions around racial injustice and public safety, will delve into whether Penny’s actions were justified or reckless. If convicted of manslaughter, Penny faces up to 15 years in prison, while Neely’s family seeks justice, insisting the tragedy reflects broader societal failures in addressing mental health issues.
