In a newly released video series, Marine veteran Daniel Penny detailed the events leading up to his altercation with Jordan Neely on a New York City subway last month. Penny, 24, maintains he acted to protect fellow passengers from Neely, 30, who he claims was making threats aboard the northbound F train on May 21.
Penny described Neely as appearing to be on drugs and behaving erratically. "He ripped his jacket off and threw it down at the people sitting next to me," Penny recalled, characterizing the situation as "scary." He further stated that Neely repeatedly yelled threats, including "I’m going to kill you," "I’m prepared to go to jail for life," and "I’m willing to die."
Despite acknowledging Neely's larger stature, Penny, an East Village resident, explained that he felt compelled to act after hearing the threats directed at other passengers, including women and children. "I couldn’t just sit still," he stated, emphasizing the Marine Corps value of courage in the face of fear.
Penny's account contradicts the narrative that he held Neely in a chokehold for 15 minutes. He asserted the entire interaction lasted under five minutes, the typical time between subway stops. He also denied intending to kill Neely, stating, "I was trying to restrain him." Penny pointed to the visible rise and fall of Neely's chest in the video as evidence that Neely was breathing during the restraint.
Currently facing a manslaughter charge following a medical examiner's ruling of death by "compression of the neck," Penny has become the subject of protests and accusations of racism. He firmly denies these claims, stating that he perceived "a man threatening passengers," many of whom were people of color, and highlighting that another person of color assisted in restraining Neely. He also mentioned a woman of color who publicly called him a hero.
While acknowledging the impact of being labeled a racist, Penny reiterated that race played no role in his actions. He maintains he acted solely to protect those on the train and does not consider himself a hero.
