Daniel Penny, a 26-year-old Marine veteran, was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide in the subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely, sparking heated reactions both inside and outside the courtroom. Black Lives Matter (BLM) leader Walter “Hawk” Newsome issued a stark warning, calling for “black vigilantes” to take action in the face of systemic racial injustice.
Courtroom Chaos and a Call to Action
Newsome, who claims to be Neely’s uncle, erupted with anger following the jury’s decision. Addressing Penny in court, he said, “It’s a small f**king world, buddy.” Later, speaking to protesters and media outside the courthouse, he demanded the establishment of “black vigilantes,” stating, “Everybody else has vigilantes. We need some black vigilantes,” as reported by Fox News.
Newsome criticized the justice system, declaring that black Americans could no longer rely on authorities to protect them. “America will never fix the issue of black people because America needs a punching bag,” he said. His fiery speech escalated further as he proclaimed, “F**k America. How dare you laugh and cheer when someone gets away with murdering us.”
The Incident That Divided a Nation
The case centered on a 2023 subway altercation during which Penny subdued Neely, a homeless black man with a history of mental illness, using a chokehold. Witnesses testified that Neely’s behavior went beyond typical subway outbursts, leaving many in fear for their safety. Penny claimed he acted to protect other passengers and restrained Neely while waiting for police to arrive. Neely later died from asphyxiation caused by the chokehold, attributed to his aggressive behavior while high on synthetic marijuana.
The Trial and Its Aftermath
Penny faced charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, with jurors finding him not guilty on all counts. His defense focused on protecting passengers in a climate of fear on the subway. Protests erupted in response to the acquittal, reigniting debates on racial injustice and self-defense.
Neely’s Tragic Background
Neely, known for impersonating Michael Jackson in Times Square, struggled with homelessness and mental health issues after his mother’s murder. Prosecutors portrayed him as a vulnerable individual failed by the system, while the defense highlighted his history of aggressive behavior.
Reaction from Public Figures
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg respected the jury’s decision but condemned threats received by prosecutors during the trial. Public defender Maud Maron criticized the charges against Penny, celebrating the acquittal as a victory for self-defense rights.
The incident continues to stir debates on racial injustice, mental health, and the limits of self-defense, reflecting broader societal concerns that demand attention and action.
