Hawk Newsome, the head of Black Lives Matter Greater New York, has called for “Black vigilantes” following Daniel Penny’s acquittal in the death of Jordan Neely. Penny, a former U.S. Marine, was cleared of criminally negligent homicide charges after a jury concluded he acted in defense of subway passengers threatened by Neely.
The May 2023 incident unfolded on a New York City subway when Neely began yelling threats, alarming passengers. Witnesses stated that Neely shouted about killing someone, leading Penny to restrain him in a chokehold. Neely, who had a history of mental health issues and 44 prior arrests, died during the confrontation.
After the verdict, Newsome expressed outrage, calling for what he described as “Black vigilante justice.” “Everybody else has vigilantes. We need some black vigilantes,” he said. Newsome suggested that violent resistance was necessary against perceived oppression, adding, “How about we do the same when they attempt to oppress us.”
During the trial, medical testimony from Dr. Satish Chundru challenged claims that Penny’s actions caused Neely’s death. Chundru testified that Neely’s death resulted from multiple factors, including synthetic marijuana, a sickle cell crisis, schizophrenia, and the physical struggle. He stated unequivocally, “The chokehold did not cause death.”
Newsome’s comments have sparked outrage and further polarized the public. While Penny’s supporters argue the verdict affirms his actions were in self-defense, critics like Newsome see it as a failure of the justice system to protect Black lives.
The case and its aftermath have reignited debates on public safety, vigilantism, and the racial dynamics of the justice system, with Newsome’s controversial remarks adding fuel to an already heated conversation.
