Hawk Newsome, leader of Black Lives Matter Greater New York, has called for the rise of “Black vigilantes” following the acquittal of Daniel Penny, the U.S. Marine veteran who was cleared of charges in the death of Jordan Neely. Penny was accused of criminally negligent homicide after restraining Neely in a chokehold during a subway incident in May 2023.
Neely, a homeless man with a history of mental illness and a criminal record that included 44 arrests, reportedly threatened passengers on a New York City subway. Witnesses testified that Neely screamed violent threats, prompting Penny to intervene. The altercation resulted in Neely’s death, but medical experts testified that his passing was caused by multiple factors, including a sickle cell crisis, schizophrenia, and synthetic marijuana use.
Newsome, who has controversially claimed to be Neely’s uncle, reacted to the jury’s decision with heated remarks, calling for what he described as “Black vigilante justice.” “Everybody else has vigilantes. We need some black vigilantes,” Newsome said, suggesting retaliation against perceived acts of oppression.
The BLM leader’s comments extended to broader criticisms of the United States. “America has designated us as the punching bag,” Newsome said, adding, “I don’t want a march. I want a step.”
The jury’s decision and Newsome’s statements have reignited debates over race, justice, and self-defense. Supporters of Penny argue that he acted to protect subway passengers from harm, while critics claim the case exemplifies systemic racial inequality in the justice system.
The trial’s outcome hinged on forensic testimony from Dr. Satish Chundru, who stated that Penny’s chokehold was not the sole cause of Neely’s death. Chundru pointed to other contributing factors, challenging the narrative that Penny’s actions alone were fatal.
Newsome’s remarks have drawn both condemnation and support, reflecting the deep divides in public opinion over the case and its broader implications for race relations and public safety.
