NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Notable Marine veterans are stepping out in support of fellow veteran Daniel Penny, who is facing backlash for using a chokehold that killed a homeless man Jordan Neely. This comes after Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with Neely's choking death on a New York City subway.
A police report on the incident from Monday, May 1 states that Neely was "hostile and erratic" toward other passengers on the NYC subway, making threats to hurt them and saying he would not mind "going to jail or getting life in prison," according to Fox News. A video of the incident that went viral on social media showed Penny intervening to choke Neely for what appears to be roughly 15 minutes. Following that Neely was taken to Lenox Hill Hospital once the cops arrived, where he was later declared dead.
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Marines hail Daniel Penny as 'hero'
The widely shared video sparked heated discussion online, with some hailing Penny as a "hero" and others arguing that he overreacted by using excessive force. Chad Robichaux, a Marine veteran, and author, was disturbed by the existence of any video of the encounter.
Robichaux said, "Put down the cellphones to record a violent criminal attacking the innocent and help... that's what this Marine did," according to Fox News. He also disagreed with those who think basic training should be revised by the Marines, who teach the method Penny utilized.
Robichaux said, "So when do we stop teaching Marines how to shoot rifles? Marines are trained to defend those who can't defend themselves... something society can learn from," according to Fox News. The use of chokeholds has long been controversial in New York City, especially since NYPD officers were forbidden from using them.
'He had no intent to kill or even injure the attacker'
Some Marine veterans, notably Gabriel Murphy, criticized Penny for using the tactic and organized a petition to have Penny prosecuted as a result. "The individual who choked Mr Neely to death should be prosecuted for murder. I hope that the military community joins me in disavowing the actions of this individual," the petition read, according to Military.com.
However, Penny also got funding for her legal defense that has topped $2 million, including contributions from Kid Rock, entrepreneur, and presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy, and more than 42,000 other people.
Marine veteran Victor Marx said, "The same broken corrupt system that failed this mentally ill individual is now failing to protect a hero that simply was trying to stop the aggression and threats to protect innocent people," Fox News reports.
"He had no intent to kill or even injure the attacker, it's unfortunate that death occurred as a result of a good Samaritan's desire to protect people. Semper Fi, brother, you will be exonerated and freed," Marx concluded.
'He's not a hero. He's a killer'
Many people have reacted to the support that Penny is receiving from the Marine veterans on Facebook. One person wrote, "The marine did society a huge favor." Another person wrote, "Those passengers feared for their lives after being threatened! He protected them and himself. He is trained by our own government!" A majority of people, however, weren't in favor of Penny with one person writing, "He's not a hero. He's a killer. And he's going to pay for it one way or the other." This other person wrote, "He killed him. That's not very heroic. He literally could have stopped choking him at any time." Another person wrote, "He choked the life out a man with a mental disability, how is that a hero...whether you know it or not people with disabilities have right." Another person wrote, "He killed the man and he'll have his day in court. That's how it works in this country."
This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online
