BLM leader’s call for “black vigilantes” sparks outrage following Daniel Penny’s acquittal in Jordan Neely’s death.
At a Glance
- Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran, was acquitted of criminal negligent homicide in Jordan Neely’s death
- BLM co-founder Hawk Newsome called for “black vigilantes” in response to the verdict
- Newsome’s comments have been interpreted as inciting violence by some commentators
- Jordan Neely’s father expressed grief and frustration, calling the system “rigged”
- The case has reignited debates about race, vigilantism, and justice in America
Controversial Verdict Sparks Heated Debate
The acquittal of Daniel Penny, a former Marine, in the death of Jordan Neely has ignited a firestorm of controversy across the nation. Penny was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide after a lengthy trial that included two weeks of jury selection, four weeks of evidence presentation, and six days of deliberations. The case, which centered on a confrontation in a Manhattan subway, has become a flashpoint for discussions about race, justice, and the limits of self-defense.
Penny claimed he acted in self-defense when he put Neely, a homeless and mentally ill Black man, in a chokehold after Neely allegedly threatened passengers on the F train. The top manslaughter charge against Penny was dropped, leaving only the lesser negligent homicide charge, which the jury ultimately rejected. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated, “The jury has now spoken,” respecting the verdict while acknowledging the complex nature of the case.
BLM Leader Advocates for Black Vigilantes and Nationwide Protests Post Penny Acquittal – A Hypocrisy Highlighted?
In a dramatic response to the acquittal of Daniel Penny in the case involving the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway, a prominent Black Lives… pic.twitter.com/zQaccuFU5G
— Off Topic Show (@OffTopicShow2) December 9, 2024
BLM Leader’s Controversial Response
In the wake of the verdict, Walter ‘Hawk’ Newsome, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter in New York, made headlines with his provocative statements outside the Manhattan courthouse. Newsome, who claims to be Neely’s uncle, expressed outrage at the jury’s decision and the courtroom’s reaction to it.
“Just like everybody else seeks justice on their own. Just like everybody else has vigilantes. We need some black vigilantes,” Newsome said.
Newsome’s call for “black vigilantes” has been met with widespread criticism and concern. Some commentators, including Keith Malinak and Pat Gray of “Pat Gray Unleashed,” have interpreted these statements as a call for violence. This reaction highlights the deep divisions and tensions surrounding issues of race and justice in America.
🖕🖕BLM and anyone who aligns themselves with BLM Following the acquittal of Daniel Penny on charges of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway, Hawk Newsome, a leader from the Black Lives Matter (BLM) chapter in New York, has called…
— Clarence Terrell (@clarenceTerre) December 10, 2024
Family’s Grief and Legal Action
Jordan Neely’s father, Andre Zachary, visibly distraught after the verdict, was escorted out of the courtroom following an emotional outburst. Zachary’s reaction underscores the personal tragedy at the heart of this case, beyond its broader societal implications.
Despite the criminal case’s outcome, Zachary has filed a civil lawsuit against Penny for negligent contact, assault, and battery leading to his son’s death. This move keeps the legal battle alive and seeks damages for Neely’s family.
