BLM leader Hawk Newsome calls for “black vigilantes” following Daniel Penny’s acquittal in the Jordan Neely case, igniting a firestorm of controversy and raising questions about community justice and racial tensions.
At a Glance
- Former Marine Daniel Penny acquitted of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely’s death
- BLM leader Hawk Newsome calls for “black vigilantes” in response to the verdict
- Neely, a homeless man, died after being held in a chokehold by Penny on a NYC subway
- Protests erupt outside courthouse, with demonstrators demanding justice
- Case highlights ongoing debate about race, justice, and community self-defense
Controversial Verdict Sparks Outrage
The acquittal of Daniel Penny, a former Marine charged in the death of Jordan Neely, has reignited tensions surrounding race and justice in America. Penny, who was facing charges of criminally negligent homicide, was found not guilty in a case that captured national attention. The incident, which occurred on a New York City subway in May 2023, involved Penny holding Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, in a chokehold after witnesses described Neely’s behavior as erratic and threatening.
The verdict has sparked outrage among supporters of Neely and civil rights activists. Protesters gathered outside the courthouse, chanting for “justice” and questioning the absence of police protection for Neely during the incident. The case has become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about racial inequality and the use of force in public spaces.
BLM Leader’s Controversial Call to Action
In the wake of the verdict, Black Lives Matter leader Hawk Newsome made a controversial statement calling for “black vigilantes” to descend on cities. Newsome’s remarks have intensified the already heated discussion surrounding the case and its implications for community justice.
“Like everybody else has vigilantes, we need some black vigilantes,” Newsome stated, expressing frustration with the justice system and calling for community action.
Newsome’s call for vigilantism has raised concerns about potential escalation of tensions and the risk of further violence. Critics argue that such rhetoric is dangerous and counterproductive, while supporters contend that it reflects the frustration of a community that feels unprotected by traditional law enforcement.
The acquittal of Daniel Penny in the death of Jordan Neely has effectively given license for vigilante justice to be waged on the Black community without consequence.
It's a painful reminder of the inequities in our justice system. Jordan deserved compassion. Instead, he was met… https://t.co/JOdxjZJXBi
— NAACP (@NAACP) December 9, 2024
The Broader Context: Race, Justice, and Community Resilience
The Penny-Neely case and its aftermath highlight the complex interplay of race, justice, and community resilience in America. The dismissal of the manslaughter charge against Penny, which carried a potential four-year sentence, has been seen by some as a victory for self-defense rights, while others view it as a failure of the justice system to protect vulnerable individuals.
The case has also reignited discussions about the role of community self-defense and the limits of legal protections for marginalized groups. Newsome’s call for black communities to hold events and discuss their needs, rather than simply marching, reflects a growing sentiment that traditional forms of protest may be insufficient to address systemic issues.
