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What Next | Daily News and Analysis

How Daniel Penny Walked Free

Dec 11, 2024
In this discussion, Katie Way, a writer-editor at Hell Gate, offers expert analysis on the Daniel Penny trial concerning the death of Jordan Neely. The conversation delves into the trial's implications on public safety and societal perceptions of justice. Way explores the intense debate around Penny's actions, highlighting conflicting views on vigilantism and self-defense. They discuss the broader issues of mental health and homelessness that underlie this tragic event, shedding light on how urban fears influence our justice system.
31:45

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The trial of Daniel Penny highlighted the complexities of perceived threat within public safety and individual self-defense interpretations.
  • Penny's acquittal ignited a broader debate on vigilantism, societal values, and systemic issues surrounding mental health and homelessness.

Deep dives

The Incident Analyzed

In May 2023, a confrontation occurred on a subway train in Manhattan between Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran, and Jordan Neely, a mentally ill homeless man. Witnesses reported that Neely was acting erratically, creating a scene that prompted fear among passengers, leading Penny to feel compelled to intervene. He placed Neely in a chokehold, which lasted around six minutes, even after Neely became unconscious. The incident raised significant questions about the nature of safety in public spaces and the appropriate responses to perceived threats.

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