Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently made waves with her comments about Daniel Penny, the Marine veteran who was found not guilty in the death of Jordan Neely.
AOC warned that individuals like Penny, who showed “no remorse” for the death of Neely, posed a danger to New Yorkers.
Her remarks came just before the verdict, and they’ve sparked intense reactions on both sides of the debate.
What Happened on the Subway?
The incident occurred on May 1, 2023, when Daniel Penny, 26, restrained Jordan Neely, 30, on a New York City subway.
Neely, a homeless man known for impersonating Michael Jackson, had reportedly been acting erratically and making threats.
As the situation escalated, Penny placed Neely in a chokehold, which ultimately led to Neely’s death.
Witnesses described Neely as shouting for food and expressing his indifference to his own fate, including references to prison.
Penny was initially charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.
However, on December 6, the manslaughter charge was dropped, and Penny was acquitted of the remaining charge on December 11, 2024.
AOC Speaks Out Against Lack of Remorse
Before the verdict, AOC voiced her concern that Penny’s lack of remorse signified a potential for future violence.
She argued that accountability was crucial to prevent similar incidents.
“If we do not want to unleash that level of violence, then we should exert a level of accountability to prevent that from happening,” she said.
AOC emphasized that even those involved in manslaughter cases typically show some level of regret, which she believed was missing from Penny’s response.
Mixed Reactions: Hero or Vigilante?
The aftermath of Neely’s death sparked a heated national conversation.
Some protestors and members of the Black Lives Matter movement painted Penny as a “racist vigilante” who unjustly targeted an innocent Black man.
Neely’s family also filed a lawsuit against Penny, accusing him of wrongful death.
On the other hand, Penny has found support from some quarters, with defenders calling him a hero who acted to protect others on the train.
Fans of Penny have even compared him to a “modern-day Batman,” asserting that he was simply trying to protect the public from what seemed like an imminent threat.
When asked by the New York Post if he would intervene again in a similar situation, Penny responded, “I would – if there was a threat and danger in the present.”
Public Backlash Against AOC’s Comments
AOC’s comments have drawn criticism from some subway riders who believe she missed the bigger picture.
Critics argue that her remarks failed to acknowledge the danger some commuters face daily, with one user suggesting she should experience it firsthand to better understand the issue.
Others argued that AOC should focus on addressing broader systemic issues, such as providing better support for individuals like Neely, who they believe need medical and psychological care rather than punitive action.
One user pointed out, “Subways would be safer and wouldn’t need Pennys if we would first lock up—and give needed, lifesaving care to—the Neelys of the world.”
The Courtroom Reaction and What Comes Next
When the jury acquitted Penny, the courtroom was divided. Penny’s supporters erupted in cheers, while Neely’s family shouted obscenities, with some calling Penny a “racist.”
The case has ignited further debate about how society handles public safety, mental health, and accountability in situations like this.
As the dust settles from this high-profile trial, the question remains: What should be done to address both the safety of subway riders and the complex issues surrounding homelessness and mental health in public spaces?
The answers to this will continue to evolve as more conversations unfold.
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