A Marine who held a New York City subway passenger until his death has given his first on-camera interview to deny he intentionally killed the man and to dismiss claims his actions were racist .
Daniel Penny, 24, first voiced his thoughts on camera in a video released by his lawyers just days after an interview in which he said he had a moral obligation to protect his fellow passengers.
Jordan Neely, who has struggled with mental illness and homelessness in recent years, died after being strangled by Penny and restrained with the help of other drivers. The May Day incident was caught on video.
“I didn’t try to strangle him,” Penny claims in the new video.
He further alleges that Neely ripped his jacket off and threatened to kill the subway passengers, saying he was ready to die himself before Penny felt compelled to intervene.
Daniel Penny, 24, voiced his thoughts in a series of videos released by his lawyers just days after an interview in which he said he had a moral obligation to protect his fellow passengers
“The man kept stumbling, he seemed drugged, the doors closed, he ripped off his jacket and threw it at the people sitting to my left,” he added.
He said he took off his headphones from listening to music when he heard Neely scream in what he described as a “scary situation”.
“The three main threats he kept repeating were: I’m going to kill you, I’m willing to go to prison for life, and I’m ready to die,” Penny said.
At a certain point, Penny felt he could no longer sit and do nothing, echoing an interview he gave earlier this week in which he quoted a lecture by author Elie Wiesel from school.
“There’s a common misconception that Marines aren’t afraid.” We’re actually taught that one of our core values is courage, and courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s dealing with fear,” he said.
“I was scared for myself, but I looked around, there were women and children, he was yelling in their faces and saying those threats. ‘I just couldn’t sit still.’
He argues that the report that he “detained” Neely for 15 minutes was “not true”.
“The entire interaction took less than 5 minutes.” Some people say I tried to strangle him, but that’s not true either. I tried to hold him back.’
He claims the grip he used to hold Neely “was due to the strength he had.” [Neely’s] exert.’
Penny, 24, turned himself in earlier this month after prosecutors announced he would be charged with second-degree manslaughter
Jordan Neely, 30, is strangled by a fellow passenger on a subway train on May 1
“In the video there is a definite rise and fall in his chest, indicating he is breathing. I’m trying to stop him from carrying out the threats.”
The Marine also dismissed claims his behavior was racist, saying: “Some people say this is about race, which is absolutely ridiculous.”
“I have not seen a black man threatening passengers.” I saw a man threatening passengers, many of whom were black people.
“One man who restrained Mr. Neely was a colored person.”
“And then, a few days after the incident, I read in the newspaper that a woman of color came out and called me a heroine.”
Penny was charged with manslaughter less than two weeks later by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
His attorneys alleged that the Long Islander, a native, acted in self-defense after being threatened by Neely.
If convicted, Penny faces up to 15 years in prison.
In a previous interview, Penny said that if Neely had continued, “he would have killed someone.” Penny said he was too traumatized to ride the subway since the incident.
The former Marine went on to tell Fox News that a television commercial inspired him to join the armed forces.
“They went out and helped the world, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
He described his time in the military as “amazing” and an opening of his mind to new perspectives. He saw parts of the world that many don’t get to see thanks to his tours of Spain, Greece, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Japan.
Neely, who has struggled with mental illness and homelessness in recent years, died after being placed in a chokehold by Penny (pictured), who was holding him down with the help of other drivers
Penny also spoke of patriotism growing up as many of his neighbors were 9/11 first responders.
When his service ended, he backpacked through Mexico and Central America.
Back in the US, he moved to New York City to live with his sister and teach swimming and bus driving to make ends meet after enrolling to study architecture.
Speaking of the fateful day he boarded an F-train to go to the gym, Penny said, “Between stops you’re stuck on the train with nowhere to go.”
“You can try to drive away, but that’s limited with a packed car.”
‘I was afraid. I looked around and saw older women and children and they were scared.”
Penny stepped in and held Neely in a chokehold until the train arrived at the Broadway-Lafayette station, where police found him lying motionless.
His attorney Steven Raiser agreed with his client’s version, telling Fox, “Danny could have gone to the corner of the train and waited for Neely to come over to him.”
“But for the little girl sitting in the middle of the train, it might have been too late.” [Neely] screamed.’
It was reported this week that a New York grand jury was hearing evidence in the case. It is not known if Penny will testify.
Jordan Neely was known as a Michael Jackson impersonator in his youth
Jordan Neely pictured with his aunt Carolyn. His aunt prepares to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Daniel Penny
Penny also thanked those who contributed to his legal fund through GiveSendGo. At the time of writing, the campaign has raised over $2.83 million.
“I had two jobs when I was a student. “My family doesn’t make a living from money so I’m incredibly grateful for this fund and all the people who have supported me,” said Penny.
“Funds are being raised to pay Mr. Penny’s legal fees arising from any criminal charges and future civil claims, as well as costs related to his defense,” the site read in part.
Rocker Kid Rock wrote on the page: “Mr. Penny is a heroine. Alvin Bragg is a POS. children’s skirt.’ Penny’s actions were also hailed by 2024 Governor of the Year Ron DeSantis.
Last week, Jordan Neely’s aunt, Carolyn, announced her intention to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Penny in a letter sent by her attorneys, Manhattan-based Mills & Edwards, to Penny’s attorney.
“Please note that this post has been retained.” . to make a personal injury and wrongful death claim. . . . “Your action resulted in the death of Jordan Neely,” the letter reads in part, reports the New York Post.
According to the Post, Neely’s aunt is also looking for Penny’s insurance information.
Penny said he often thinks of Neely’s family, members of which said he should be charged with murder.
“They were included in my prayers. I feel for her loss. “Like Jordan, they are victims of a failed system,” he told Fox.
In response to those who called him a racist, Penny pointed out that many of those on board the train that day were minorities. “It definitely hurts a lot.” It’s obviously taken its toll.”