Progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) received backlash from New York City subway riders after saying they should be scared of Daniel Penny, who was recently found not guilty in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely. Penny, a Long Island marine veteran, was acquitted of all charges after a high-profile trial over the fatal encounter on a subway train last year.
In response to the acquittal, Ocasio-Cortez expressed concern that Penny showed no remorse, indicating a risk of more violence happening again. However, Penny and witnesses claimed Neely was threatening passengers and willing to kill, leading Penny to take action to protect others.
Despite the criticisms from Ocasio-Cortez, many straphangers came to Penny’s defense, calling him a hero and praising his actions to protect passengers. Some even suggested renaming a subway line after him in recognition of his efforts.
The jury’s decision to clear Penny of criminally negligent homicide added fuel to the debate, with Ocasio-Cortez facing further criticism for her statements. The incident highlighted the complicated nature of self-defense and public safety, sparking a broader discussion about accountability, remorse, and the challenges faced by individuals navigating violent situations in public spaces.
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