Daniel Penny, a true hero, was acquitted in the Jordan Neely subway incident, standing firm with no regrets for his courageous actions. Facing down threats to protect fellow New Yorkers, Penny’s bravery shone through, choosing public safety over personal comfort. His willingness to undergo trial and public scrutiny again highlights not just his courage, but his unwavering dedication to the safety of others, marking him as a beacon of selflessness in a challenging world.
JUST IN: Daniel Penny says he has zero regrets, says he couldn't live with the guilt if someone was hurt on the subway by Jordan Neely.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 10, 2024
Penny is an even better person than I thought.
The Marine said he would do a million court appearances if it meant saving someone on the… pic.twitter.com/swNcYWXGpN
Admittedly, Jordan Neely’s life was marked by tragedy; his mother was murdered when he was 14, leading to struggles with mental health, including schizophrenia. He had over 40 arrests, many related to homelessness and minor offenses, but also included violent acts like assaults on subway riders. He was frequently hospitalized and was on a tiny city list of just 50 people for those needing urgent assistance due to his condition and resistance to help. His history reflects a cycle of mental health crises, homelessness, and interaction with law enforcement, culminating in his – inevitable – death on a subway train in 2023. It also reflects our nation’s abject failure to adequately address the needs of the mentally ill who were once housed in mental institutions.
Our hero’s legal problems are not over yet. When Penny was acquitted of criminal charges, Andre Zachary, Neely’s father, filed a civil lawsuit against Penny for negligence, assault, and battery related to Neely’s death.