New York City Mayor Eric Adams has come to the defense of Daniel Penny, the former Marine involved in the death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man, on a subway train earlier this year. Adams criticized the media’s coverage of the incident, calling the portrayal of Penny’s actions as “unfair” and suggesting that the full context of the event was not being adequately considered.
The incident occurred in May, when Neely, who was known for his mental health struggles and frequent appearances on the subway, began acting erratically and allegedly threatening passengers on a subway car. Penny, along with two other men, restrained Neely, placing him in a chokehold. Neely lost consciousness and later died in the hospital.
Penny was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter, but he has maintained that his actions were in self-defense and to protect other passengers. Adams, in a public statement, expressed sympathy for Neely’s tragic death but argued that Penny’s actions should be understood in the context of the volatile and dangerous situation on the train. The mayor also slammed what he described as sensationalized media coverage that he believes has painted Penny in a negative light.
“People who are acting as if this is a clear-cut case of murder are ignoring the reality of the situation,” said Adams, adding that the incident highlighted the difficulties of dealing with mental health crises in public spaces. “We need to look at how to address mental health care and the safety of our subway system, instead of vilifying individuals who may have acted in the moment out of fear.”
The mayor’s comments have sparked widespread debate. Advocates for Neely’s family and supporters of social justice have condemned Adams’ defense of Penny, arguing that the use of force against a mentally ill person is unacceptable. Meanwhile, those sympathetic to Penny’s actions claim that his response was appropriate given the circumstances.
The case has brought attention to the ongoing challenges surrounding homelessness, mental health, and public safety in New York City, with both sides calling for systemic changes. As the legal proceedings continue, the controversy surrounding the incident remains a point of division, with the media, public officials, and citizens weighing in on the implications of Penny’s actions.