NEW YORK, N.Y. After Daniel Penny, the Marine veteran accused of killing Jordan Neely on a Manhattan subway, was acquitted, Black Lives Matter organizers called for demonstrations throughout New York City. The massive protests reminiscent of the 2020 George Floyd marches have not yet occurred despite the outrage.
And since many people think Penny is a hero for preventing a violent individual from causing more damage to the city’s hazardous subway system, it appears that no one is paying attention anymore.
Today, Penny was cleared of all charges pertaining to the chokehold death of Neely, a homeless guy who was reportedly acting strangely on the F train in May, according to witnesses. Critics, including BLM leaders, have referred to the case as a glaring illustration of systematic injustice, while his defense claimed that Penny acted in self-defense and to defend others.
Following the verdict, BLM chapters throughout the city released urgent calls for action, condemning what they perceive to be a failure of the legal system and calling for responsibility. In a statement, a New York BLM activist said, “Jordan Neely’s life mattered, and the system’s response is a reminder of the disparities we still face.”
Although there have been a few small, nonviolent protests outside the Brooklyn courtroom and in Union Square, they have not been as large or as intense as previous demonstrations.
The George Floyd protests in 2020, on the other hand, brought tens of thousands of people to the streets and caused a great deal of disturbance, including altercations with the police and extensive property damage.
It’s still unclear if the current situation signifies a change in the public’s interest in the BLM movement or if New York is preparing for a return of protests. Although police have said they are keeping an eye on the situation and being ready for any protests, they have stressed that there haven’t been any significant disturbances as of yet.
People are keeping a careful eye on the movement to see if it will pick up steam again in the summer of 2020. Many New Yorkers, meantime, are raising questions about whether the city can survive the social and economic effects of resurgent turmoil in the event that protests intensify.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
