Daniel Penny's Chokehold Sole Cause of Jordan Neely's Death, Medical Examiner Confirms
By: Amelia Grant, Social Justice Reporter
NEW YORK CITY – The death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man who was restrained in a fatal chokehold by Daniel Penny on a New York City subway, has been officially ruled a homicide by the city's medical examiner. This confirmation adds fuel to the already intense debate surrounding the incident, which sparked protests and ignited discussions about race, mental health, and citizen's arrest.
The Incident and Initial Response
On May 1, 2023, Jordan Neely, known for his Michael Jackson impersonations, was experiencing a mental health crisis on an F train. Witnesses reported that Neely was shouting and acting erratically, though he did not physically attack anyone. Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old Marine veteran, intervened, restraining Neely in a chokehold for several minutes. Neely lost consciousness and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Initially, Penny was questioned by police and released without charges. This decision sparked outrage and protests, with many criticizing what they perceived as a lenient response to a white man using deadly force against a Black man experiencing a mental health crisis.
Medical Examiner's Report and Legal Proceedings
The medical examiner's report unequivocally states that Neely's death was caused by "compression of the neck (chokehold)." This finding directly contradicts Penny's claim that he acted in self-defense and raises serious questions about the proportionality of his response to Neely's behavior.
Following the release of the medical examiner's report, the Manhattan District Attorney's office announced that Daniel Penny would be charged with second-degree manslaughter. Penny surrendered to authorities and was arraigned. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Social and Political Implications
The death of Jordan Neely and the subsequent legal proceedings have brought to the forefront complex issues surrounding race, mental health, and the use of force. Many see this case as emblematic of the systemic biases and inequalities that persist in the criminal justice system. The incident has also reignited calls for increased investment in mental health services and alternative approaches to crisis response.
Neely's death has become a rallying cry for activists and advocates demanding accountability and justice. The case continues to draw national attention and is likely to have a lasting impact on the conversation about how society addresses mental health crises and racial disparities in the legal system.