NAACP Condemns Jury Verdict in Trial of Daniel Penny

A jury acquitted Daniel Penny, a white man who killed Jordan Neely, a 30-year old Black man that was experiencing a mental health crisis on the New York City subway before Penny placed him in a chokehold, leading to his tragic death.

NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson released the following statement, condemning the decision, warning of the dangerous precedent it sets:

"The NAACP is deeply disappointed by today's jury decision in the tragic death of Jordan Neely. This case sets a dangerous precedent by embracing vigilantism and disregarding the sanctity of human life. Let's be clear - mental health crises are medical emergencies, not crimes. America has yet again criminalized our community and subverted accountability. We remain resolute in our commitment to ensure that Black Americans receive the mental healthcare they deserve and our humanity is respected under the law."

REV. AL SHARPTON RESPONDS TO VERDICT IN JORDAN NEELY CASE

Rev. Al Sharpton, the Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued the following statement in response to the verdict in the criminally negligent homicide case against Daniel Penny.

“Today’s verdict in the Jordan Neely case does not change what we have known to be true in our hearts since the very beginning: Jordan Neely’s life was brutally taken away because of unnecessary vigilantism. This kind of behavior was inexcusable 40 years ago when Bernhard Goetz opened fire in a subway car, and it remained the case more than a year ago when Daniel Penny took Jordan’s life. Jordan was in the middle of a mental health crisis, but instead of being offered a helping hand, he got an arm around his neck.

This verdict represents the blatant legalization of civilian vigilantism, sending a dangerous message that citizens can now take matters into their own hands, even if it leads to someone’s death. That is a threat to all of us. We fought this 40 years ago with Goetz, we fought it when Eric Garner was killed, and we will continue to fight it today. When I eulogized Jordan in Harlem last May, I made it clear that his family wasn’t asking for favors – they wanted justice. Jordan’s loved ones were denied justice today.

Throughout this process, NAN stood firmly by Jordan’s family. We covered his funeral expenses, shared stories of his humanity, and stood with his loved ones every day of the trial. Jordan’s uncle was present at NAN’s rally on Saturday. We understand that Jordan’s life mattered.

Today’s acquittal should still serve as a reminder that we cannot fear or ignore those who are struggling but must instead recognize their equal humanity. Jordan, famous for the smiles he brought to people’s faces with his Michael Jackson impersonation, had dreams, passions, and love in his heart too. Our brothers and sisters in crisis deserve our compassion and understanding, not violence. While this verdict may not bring the closure Jordan’s family deserves, his legacy will continue to demand compassion and action from all of us.”

Daniel Penny indicted in chokehold death of Jordan Neely

Daniel Penny has been indicted in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway train last month.

A grand jury in lower Manhattan reached the decision Wednesday, more than a month after Penny, 24, put Neely in a deadly chokehold as the homeless man behaved erratically. The exact charges will not be unsealed until Penny is arraigned at a later date. Penny was first arrested May 12, on a second-degree manslaughter charge.

Penny, who is White, was captured on video on May 1, choking Neely, who was Black, for nearly three minutes after the homeless man started shouting on the train that "he had no food, he had no drink" and that "he was tired." Neely had had a lengthy history of run-ins with police and a history of mental illness.

While Penny kept his arms around Neely's neck for 50 seconds after he stopped moving, the train's conductor called 911. EMS workers were not able to revive Neely.

Penny is currently free on a $100,000 bond.

Daniel Penny to be charged with second-degree manslaughter in death of Jordan Neely

Daniel Penny, the Marine veteran whose chokehold killed Jordan Neely on a Manhattan subway train, is to be charged with second-degree manslaughter and will turn himself in to police on Friday.

Penny, 24, is expected to turn himself in at the Fifth Precinct stationhouse on Elizabeth St. in Chinatown, said a police official. Manhattan DA’s office spokesman Doug Cohen confirmed the arrest charge.

After he turns himself in, Penny is to be arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court, Cohen said.

Bystander video shows Penny holding Neely, 30, in a chokehold aboard an F train on May 1. He was taken in for questioning later that day, but was released without charges.

[SOURCE: NY DAILY NEWS]