Video: ‘I knew I had to act,’ Daniel Penny details NYC subway chokehold
A grand jury has voted to indict a 24-year-old former US Marine who placed a 30-year-old homeless New Yorker in a fatal chokehold on a Manhattan subway train last month.
Daniel Penny initially faced a charge of second-degree manslaughter when he was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on 12 May. He did not enter a plea and has remained out of custody on a $100,000 bond.
A decision from a grand jury recommends to prosecutors whether he be formally charged with a crime or other offence.
That decision is based on evidence presented by prosecutors to jurors, who were convened late last month to review the case.
Mr Penny has defended his actions in interviews with Fox News and The New York Post. A legal defence fund organised by his attorneys has raised more than $2.8m, with five-figure support from right-wing pundits and personalities.
Jordan Neely, the man killed in a NYC subway chokehold
Skilled Michael Jackson impersonator died after being held in chokehold by member of the public on a train carriage floor, sparking angry protests and mass outrage.
Graeme Massie15 June 2023 00:46
Daniel Penny: Everything we know about ex-Marine filmed choking Jordan Neely in fatal subway incident
A subway passenger fatally choked a homeless street performer on the Manhattan F train.
Graeme Massie15 June 2023 00:16
Daniel Penny’s lawyers react to grand jury indictment
The lawyers, Steven Raiser and Thomas Kenniff of the firm Raiser & Kenniff, issued the following statement:
“While we respect the decision of the grand jury to move this case forward to trial, it should be noted that the standard of proof in a grand jury is very low and there has been no finding of wrongdoing. We’re confident that when a trial jury is tasked with weighing the evidence, they will find Daniel Penny’s actions on that train were fully justified,” Mr Raiser said.
“We’re all saddened at the loss of human life,” added Mr Kenniff. “Daniel Penny saw a genuine threat and took action to protect the lives of others.”
Graeme Massie14 June 2023 23:58
‘I knew I had to act,’ Daniel Penny details NYC subway chokehold
Video: ‘I knew I had to act,’ Daniel Penny details NYC subway chokehold
Graeme Massie14 June 2023 23:44
Fundraiser for Daniel Penny tops $2.8m
An online fundraising campaign for Mr Penny’s legal defence was launched on the Christian crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo, a website created in response to GoFundMe removing far-right campaigns that violated its terms of service.
The fundraiser reached more than $2m within days of its launch, including roughly $600,000 on the day Mr Penny was charged alone.As of 14 June, following news of a grand jury indictment, the fundraiser has reached more than $2.8m.
Several donors – including Kid Rock, far-right streamer Tim Pool, and Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy – have contributed huge sums to Mr Penny’s fund, which is run by his attorneys. Mr Ramaswamy donated $10,000.
“Penny is the Subway Good Samaritan and we are lucky to have brave souls like him who are willing to do the right thing,” said Mr Pool, who confirmed his $20,000 donation on 15 May.
“Thank you for protecting the citizens that day,” wrote another donor who contributed $10,000.
“Mr Penny is a hero. Alvin Bragg is a POS,” Kid Rock wrote in a message with his $5,000 donation.
(EPA/Getty)
Graeme Massie14 June 2023 23:28
Daniel Penny indicted on manslaughter charges
Daniel Penny indicted on manslaughter charges
Graeme Massie14 June 2023 23:14
Daniel Penny Maintains NYC Subway Death of Jordan Neely Not Race Related
Daniel Penny Maintains NYC Subway Death of Jordan Neely Not Race Related
Graeme Massie14 June 2023 23:03
Grand jury votes to indict Daniel Penny in subway killing of Jordan Neely
The 24-year-old former US Marine was initially charged with second-degree manslaughter last month.
Alex Woodward has the story.
Graeme Massie14 June 2023 22:50
Welcome to the Daniel Penny live blog
This live blog will cover the reported indictment of Daniel Penny for the New York City subway death of Jordan Neely.
Graeme Massie14 June 2023 22:49