Daniel Penny Spotted on NYC Subway After Acquittal in Jordan Neely Case

NEW YORK — Daniel Penny, the Marine veteran acquitted in the high-profile manslaughter case involving Jordan Neely, was spotted riding a New York City subway just a month after his trial concluded. The 26-year-old appeared relaxed, reading a book, in an image that quickly went viral on social media.

Penny’s acquittal in December 2024 divided New Yorkers. Many hailed him as a hero for subduing Neely, a mentally ill man who had threatened passengers on a subway car in May 2023. Others criticized his use of force, which resulted in Neely’s death. The case drew national attention and sparked protests, with Black Lives Matter activists condemning the incident as racially motivated.

Neely, a former Michael Jackson impersonator who struggled with schizophrenia and drug addiction, had a criminal record that included assault convictions. Witnesses reported that he had threatened passengers, saying, ‘Someone is going to die today,’ before Penny intervened. Penny, who was studying architecture at the New York City College of Technology at the time, said he acted to protect others. ‘The guilt I would’ve felt if someone did get hurt, if he did do what he was threatening to do, I would never be able to live with myself,’ Penny told former judge Jeanine Pirro in an interview after his acquittal.

Despite the not-guilty verdict, Neely’s family filed a civil lawsuit against Penny last week. His legal team, Thomas Kenniff and Steven Raiser, said they are preparing to defend against the lawsuit. Meanwhile, Penny has returned to his studies and resumed his life in the city, even riding the subway again.

Reactions to Penny’s return to the subway were mixed. Some praised his resilience, while others questioned his decision to remain in New York. ‘Daniel Penny spotted on the subway… nature is healing,’ one social media user commented. Another wrote, ‘I would’ve left the DAY the trial ended.’

Penny’s case has reignited debates about self-defense, mental health, and the role of race in law enforcement. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who prosecuted the case, has faced criticism for pursuing charges against Penny. Penny himself has criticized what he called ‘self-serving’ officials who used the incident for political gain.

As Penny moves forward, he remains a polarizing figure in a city still grappling with the fallout from the case. His decision to return to the subway, a symbol of the incident that upended his life, underscores his determination to reclaim normalcy.