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Marine Veteran Acquitted in Subway Chokehold Case
Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran, spoke out for the first time after his acquittal in the subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely. Penny, who was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide, said Neely had threatened to kill and hurt others on the train, forcing him to restrain him.
Despite the acquittal, Penny expressed discomfort with the attention he has received. He stated that he did not seek praise and that he would have preferred to prevent any harm, even if it meant facing public criticism.
Penny criticized the policies of officials like Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, accusing them of being politically motivated and failing to address public safety concerns. He cited recent incidents of violence on subways, including a stabbing and a sucker punch.
Witness Ivette Rosario testified that Neely’s threats frightened her. She stated that she had witnessed similar outbursts before but that Neely’s were more intense.
Penny, a highly regarded individual, is a Long Island native and a Marine veteran who received a humanitarian award for his aid after Hurricane Sandy. He worked two jobs while studying architecture and has been described as a calm and empathetic person.