Killing of Jordan Neely

May 1, 2023: A Tragic Incident on the Subway

On May 1, 2023, Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, boarded an F train at Second Avenue station. His actions quickly escalated into a terrifying scene that would change lives forever.

The Incident Unfolds

Neely began screaming and threatening to kill other passengers. A witness described him as making ‘half-lunge movements’ within half a foot of people, with one mother testifying that Neely charged at her while saying, ‘I will kill.’ His actions were attributed to synthetic marijuana use and mental illness.

Public Safety on the Line

The train stopped at Broadway–Lafayette Street station. Passengers prevented it from moving further due to safety concerns. Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old Marine veteran, restrained Neely with a chokehold that lasted several minutes. Despite Neely’s struggles and warnings about his possible death, the other men involved defended Penny’s actions.

The Aftermath

After Neely became motionless, Penny and one man released their hold on him. Passengers placed water on Neely’s forehead before police arrived at 2:27 p.m., administering first aid to an unconscious Neely. The NYPD responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls about a homeless man found unresponsive on the floor.

A Life Cut Short

Neely had a history of mental health issues, including depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD, which developed after his mother’s murder at age 14. He struggled with homelessness and had an extensive criminal record. Despite being listed as most in need of assistance, he was resistant to help. At least five people attempted to revive him before he was pronounced dead on May 4. His funeral drew over 200 attendees on May 19, with Governor Antonio Delgado attending Daniel Penny’s eulogy.

Legal Battles and Public Debate

Civil rights activist Al Sharpton criticized systemic abuse of people with mental illness, double standards in the police and criminal justice system on race, and characterization of a ‘good Samaritan.’ Daniel Penny was indicted for the death of Jordan Neely. He recounted that Neely entered the train while threatening to kill everyone and claimed he did not intend to kill Neely.

Charges and Trial

The manner of Neely’s death was determined to be homicide due to compression of the neck (chokehold). Penny turned himself in, was arraigned, and released on $100,000 cash bail. A grand jury indicted him with criminally negligent homicide and second-degree manslaughter on June 14, 2023. The charges were unsealed on June 28, 2023, and Penny is expected to argue justification under New York state statute.

Public Response

The system failed Jordan, Harper said, citing the practice of encouraging younger homeless men to commit minor offenses or claim suicidal ideation to gain hospital admission or a warm meal and bed. Executive director of the Coalition for the Homeless, Dave Giffen, criticized political rhetoric leading to violence against homeless people. City Council member Tiffany Cabán linked the killing to the city’s response to homelessness and mental illness.

Political Stance

Mayoral candidate Nikki Haley called for the governor to pardon Daniel Penny immediately. Republican politicians, including Ron DeSantis and Matt Gaetz, supported Penny’s actions. A resolution in the US House of Representatives recognized and honored Penny as a hero. No further action was taken to advance the resolution.

The Vigil

A vigil-turned-protest was held on May 3, demanding accountability for Neely’s killing. Several organizations called for accountability in Neely’s death, with protests taking place across the city. Protests continued on May 5-6, including arrests at various locations in Manhattan.

Conclusion

The case of Jordan Neely and Daniel Penny has sparked a nationwide debate about mental health, homelessness, and justice. It serves as a stark reminder that every life is valuable, and the systems we rely on must be reevaluated to ensure they truly serve everyone. Will we learn from this tragedy or continue down the path of systemic failure?