Jordan Neely and Daniel Penny

The trial over the death of Jordan Neely began Monday. 

In May 2023, Jordan Neely—a Black 30-year-old Michael Jackson impersonator—entered a New York City Subway and began acting aggressively, reportedly saying he was homeless, hungry, and didn’t care if he went to jail. 

Neely died after Daniel Penny, a White former Marine, pinned him to the ground and put him in a chokehold. Penny faces charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Neely’s death was met with backlash and protests over concerns that Penny’s actions were racially driven.

Prosecutors argue that Neely had the free-speech right to say what he wanted, and Penny’s actions were unwarranted. The defense plans to center on the threat posed by Neely, who had a criminal record and a history of mental illness, emphasizing that Penny was acting in self-defense. 

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Verse to consider when responding to a case that’s bound to divide people… “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” 
James 3:18 (CSB) (read full passage)