Former Marine Daniel Penny, acquitted this week in the death of Jordan Neely, spoke out on Tuesday, defending his actions on the New York City subway and criticizing the policies of city leaders.
In an interview with Judge Jeanine Pirro on Fox News’ “The Five,” Penny stated that he intervened to prevent potential harm, prioritizing the safety of others despite the ensuing public scrutiny and legal battles.
“The guilt I would have felt if someone did get hurt… I would never be able to live with myself,” Penny expressed. He added that he would endure countless court appearances and public backlash if it meant preventing harm to even one person.
Penny, who was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide on Monday, also took aim at what he perceived as the “self-serving” policies of liberal city leaders, which he believes contributed to the incident.
“These public officials… these are their policies,” Penny stated, suggesting that their actions were driven by political gain rather than public safety.
The case stemmed from a May 2023 incident where Penny restrained Neely, a homeless man with a history of mental illness, after Neely began behaving erratically on the subway. Penny’s actions, which involved placing Neely in a chokehold that ultimately led to his death, sparked intense debate and protests.
READ: Andy McCarthy Says Alvin Bragg ‘Played Games’ From The Beginning Of Daniel Penny’s Case
Penny’s lawyer, Thomas Kenniff, previously expressed confidence that the jury would focus on the facts of the case, not racial issues, despite attempts to portray the incident as racially motivated.
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