Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s comments that New Yorkers are in danger of people like ‘unremorseful’ Daniel Penny have gone viral after he was found not guilty of killing Jordan Neely.
AOC said Marine veteran Penny, 26, was not held accountable for the chokehold death of homeless man Neely, 30, on a subway last spring.
‘The fact that a person has expressed no remorse indicates a risk that it may happen again. And if we do not want to unleash that level of violence then we should exert a level of accountability to prevent that from happening,’ AOC said before the verdict.
During the fatal interaction, Penny was recorded choking the former Michael Jackson impersonator to death after he started acting erratically and making threats on the F train on May 1, 2023.
Multiple witnesses said Neely shouted about needing food and something to drink, whipped his jacket to the floor and said he didn’t care if he died or went ‘back to Rikers’.
Penny was facing 15 years in prison for second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, but the first charge was dropped on December 6 and he was found not guilty of the second on Monday.
Neely’s death sparked a national uproar, with Penny being dubbed a ‘racist vigilante’ by protestors and the deceased’s family, who filed a lawsuit against him last week.
Members of the Black Lives Matter movement particularly saw paint Penny as an overzealous, white ex-Marine targeting an innocent black man.
Others have commended the veteran, arguing he stepped in and tried to protect public safety.
Penny has been described by fans as a hero and ‘modern day Batman’ who selflessly came to the aid of the other passengers despite the risks to himself.
When asked if he would do it again by the New York Post, Penny said: ‘I would – if there was a threat and danger in the present.’
In her comments made before the verdict, AOC said: ‘If we do not want violence on our subways and the point of our justice system is a level of accountability to prevent a person who does not have remorse about taking another person’s life.
‘I mean, even people who have engaged in manslaughter or have taken a life accidentally express remorse.’
The progressive politician has been slammed online following her comments about Penny, with critics claiming she spoke as if ‘she’s never been on the subway.’
‘She can try it out for herself for the next month,’ on X user wrote, commenting on how dangerous subways feel for some riders.
Another chimed in: ‘If that’s how she feels then she should ride the subway from now on so she can be there to deal with people like Neely and set an example for everyone.’
Others said that AOC missed the point completely and should address the larger issue at hand.
One woman said: ‘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. Until then…’
Prosecutors noted Penny continued to grip Neely’s neck after the train stopped and anyone who wanted to get out could do so, after bystanders urged him to let go and Neely had been still for a minute.
They differed in descriptions of his movements and whether they were life-threatening. Several said they were alarmed by him and some were thankful when Penny subdued him.
When the jury found Penny not guilty on Monday, the courtroom was filled was cheering from his family and supporter’s, while Neely’s family yelled obscenities, calling him a ‘racist c**t.’