The death of a homeless man in New York City’s subway has brought the self-defense versus vigilantism argument front and center.
The accused is a 24-year-old former Marine, Daniel J. Penny, who was identified by authorities for allegedly putting Jordan Neely, 30, in a chokehold after what police called an altercation.
Jordan was unconscious when the police arrived. And He was later pronounced dead in a local hospital.
Penny’s lawyers claim that he acted to protect himself and the other passengers on the train.
The Raiser and Kenniff law firm also alleges that Neely had a history of violent and erratic behavior, resulting in multiple arrests. And the root cause was his untreated mental illness.
But the available video of the incident only shows the passengers subduing Neely. It does not reveal the actions attorneys claim led to the chokehold. And it has sparked a national debate, with people denouncing vigilantism.
Some politicians are also demanding officials do more to address the growing homelessness issue. Mental health and increasing violence on subways are also part of the conversation.
