Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is expected to press charges against a former Marine who killed Jordan Neely in an effort he claimed was self-defense and protecting those around him.
Daniel Penny was initially released following questioning but now faces arrest for manslaughter in the controversial case.
Time to leave NYC or risk death or jail if you defend yourself
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg Reverses Course After Jordan Neely Protests, Will Now Charge Daniel Penny with Manslaughter https://t.co/wVIeGYzAg9
— Major Vince Boyer (Tex) (@Texboyer45) May 12, 2023
"We would first like to express, on behalf of Daniel Penny, our condolences to those close to Mr. Neely," his attorneys said. "When Mr. Neely began aggressively threatening Daniel Penny and the other passengers, Daniel, with the help of others, acted to protect themselves, until help arrived."
"Daniel never intended to harm Mr. Neely and could not have foreseen his untimely death," his attorneys added. "We hope that out of this awful tragedy will come a new commitment by our elected officials to address the mental health crisis on our streets and subways."
Daniel Penny, the former Marine who put Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold on an NYC subway train earlier this month, will be charged with Manslaughter in the Second Degree, the Manhattan DA’s office says. pic.twitter.com/thV3nquV2d
— The Recount (@therecount) May 11, 2023
"Jordan Neely was a 30-year-old homeless man, a repeat offender with over 40 prior arrests and severe mental illness issues. Neely died on May 1 after Penny, 24, had placed him into a chokehold after Neely had reportedly started behaving erratically and showing aggression towards other passengers," the Post Millennial reported.
"Footage from the day showed Penny placing Neely in a 'recovery position' in an attempt to make sure he was okay," it added.
The city's medical examiner ruled the death a homicide due to neck compression, according to reports.
Neely was a homeless man with an arrest record, including a warrant for his arrest from 2021.
The recording of the incident has sparked strong emotions from people taking various sides in Neely's death, with Bragg announcing the decision on Thursday.
The case could become a major national issue following controversial cases in recent years such as George Floyd in 2020.
