In a recent interview with the New York Post, Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old former U.S. Marine, broke his silence regarding the unfortunate incident on a New York City subway that resulted in the death of Jordan Neely. Penny, who has been charged with second-degree manslaughter, clarified that the incident had nothing to do with race.
The altercation unfolded when Penny restrained Neely, a homeless man with a history of mental health issues and numerous arrests, in a chokehold. Neely had embarked on an aggressive rant, proclaiming his indifference towards going to jail. Penny asserted, “This had nothing to do with race. I judge a person based on their character. I’m not a white supremacist. I mean, it’s, it’s a little bit comical. Everybody who’s ever met me can tell you, I love all people, I love all cultures. You can tell by my past and all my travels and adventures around the world. I was actually planning a road trip through Africa before this happened.”
Penny went on to emphasize his love for all people and cultures, pointing to his past travels and adventures around the world, including plans for a road trip through Africa. While he refrained from providing specific details due to his ongoing legal proceedings, Penny expressed that the incident was unlike anything he had previously experienced. “This time was very different,” he stated.
According to Penny, he was on his way to the gym for a swim and had chosen to take the subway due to his affinity for public transportation. When questioned about his message to Neely’s family, Penny conveyed deep sorrow over the loss of life and called for systemic changes to prevent such tragic events in the future.
When asked what he would say to Neely’s family, Penny said, “I’m deeply saddened by the loss of life. It’s tragic what happened to him. Hopefully, we can change the system that’s so desperately failed us.”
When asked if he would act similarly in the face of danger again, Penny nodded in affirmation, explaining, “I live an authentic and genuine life. And I would—if there was a threat and danger in the present.”
Penny also revealed that he had distanced himself from social media years ago and was largely unaware of the backlash he had received or the identity of certain left-wing advocates who had criticized him. He expressed a dislike for the limelight and emphasized his preference for alternative ways to spend his time.
“I don’t follow anyone, and I don’t have social media because I really don’t like the attention and I just think there are better ways to spend your time,” he said. “I don’t like the limelight.”
