On May 1st, 2023, a tragic incident occurred on the F train in Manhattan, New York. The victim was Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old Black man and street performer. Neely was known for his Michael Jackson impersonations.
The Incident: A Deadly Confrontation
Eyewitnesses reported that Neely boarded the train at the Broadway-Lafayette station. His behavior was erratic and aggressive. He shouted loudly, saying he had no food or water and was very tired. Neely also said he didn’t care if he went to jail. He threw his jacket on the floor, and passengers moved away. However, he did not physically attack anyone or carry any weapons.
A young white man then approached from behind and applied a naked chokehold to Neely. He pinned him to the ground. Witnesses recorded the incident on video. In the video, the white man, later identified as Daniel Penny, held the chokehold for six minutes. Neely eventually lost consciousness. 
The police arrived minutes later. They tried to revive Neely with CPR, but he could not be saved. He was later declared dead at the hospital.
Daniel Penny: Hero or Villain?
Daniel Penny, 24 years old, was identified as the man responsible for Neely’s death. Penny was a former U.S. Marine Corps sergeant. He had a strong military background and had received multiple honors. After leaving the military in 2021, Penny moved to Long Island. His background sparked debates over his actions. Some people defended him, saying he was just protecting the passengers on the subway. Penny himself said he did not act out of racial hatred. He claimed that his actions were purely for self-defense.
He expressed deep sorrow for Neely’s death but insisted he would act similarly in the future if he perceived any danger.
Neely’s Troubled Past and Mental Health Struggles
Neely’s past was also examined. He had a long history of violent incidents, including attacking other subway passengers. Neely had struggles with schizophrenia, depression, and PTSD. He had also battled substance abuse. Neely’s mother was murdered when he was a teenager, which greatly affected his mental health.
Supporters of Penny pointed to Neely’s criminal history, suggesting that his actions were caused by his mental illness. However, Neely’s family argued that he was a victim of the system. They said he deserved compassion, not judgment. They called for Penny to be charged with murder.
The Trial and Public Reaction
Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. The case became a flashpoint in America, raising issues of public safety and racial injustice. Penny’s defenders argued that his actions were self-defense, while others accused him of using excessive force.
In November 2023, the trial began. Penny’s defense argued that he acted to protect passengers, as he believed Neely would attack others. Expert testimony during the trial was mixed. Some experts said Neely’s death was caused by a combination of mental health issues, drugs, and Penny’s actions.
After five days of deliberation, the jury declared Penny not guilty. This decision sparked immediate protests and outrage. Supporters of Neely felt the verdict was an example of systemic injustice. Many outside the courthouse chanted, “No justice, no peace.”
Conclusion: A Divided Nation
The case remains a symbol of the racial and social divisions in America. For some, the verdict represents a miscarriage of justice. For others, it was a defense of public safety. The case continues to stir debates about race, mental health, and self-defense. The national conversation is far from over.
