The Issue: Daniel Penny being found “not guilty” by a Manhattan jury in the 2023 death of Jordan Neely.
Justice prevailed in the case of ex-Marine Daniel Penny, when he was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide (“The truth sets Penny free,” Dec. 10).
When someone comes on a train and starts screaming, “Someone is going to die today,” what goes through your mind?
These were the words Jordan Neely reportedly screamed.
First of all, you’re underground, in a tunnel, in a subway car.
There is no place to go.
If it wasn’t for the quick response of Daniel Penny, who knows what Jordan Neely might have done.
Penny risked his own life to prevent any harm to fellow New Yorkers.
Rob Johann
Queens
What gets me is that this matter actually became a criminal case.
Because I did not think it had the legal basis to merit a trial.
As in — what charges are you going to bring against Penny?
Well, we saw what charges were brought, and we saw the result of acquittal.
There’s a part of me that is glad this went to trial because it demonstrated that Penny’s actions were reasonable in the face of what happened on a subway full of defenseless passengers.
Arthur Saginian
Santa Clarita, Calif.
Thank god reasonable people have finally done the right thing.
Daniel Penny didn’t set out to kill anyone.
He didn’t beat the man, stab him, or shoot him — he restrained him out of a civic-minded concern for those around him.
The outcome, while unfortunate, doesn’t take away from his selfless act of bravery.
The nation and New Yorkers have had enough of the rampant crime and soft-on-perpetrators DAs.
Enough is enough.
We deserve to be able to go about our days and live our lives.
The pendulum is finally swinging back toward the common man’s point of view.
There is no shame in this verdict.
Clay Gurnett
Queens
The broken court system here in New York City — with the courts being soft on lawbreakers, then law enforcement arresting law-abiding citizens who defend themselves against criminals — is sad.
One should not have to fear becoming a victim of crime while running an errand or coming home late from work.
This once-Democratic state is slowly becoming Republican because of the ridiculous court laws that do not protect hardworking people.
Much time and money has been spent on this trial for Penny, who should be hailed a hero.
Joseph Comperchio
Brooklyn
Thankfully, Daniel Penny was deemed not guilty.
As for the mental-health and judicial systems of this city and state — that’s a completely different verdict.
While one can have sympathy for the suffering of the Neely family, this is not a racial issue.
It is well beyond that.
Jackie Biaggi
The Bronx
Daniel Penny’s acquittal is a relief for many of us who ride the New York City subway.
However, I can’t help but think that the left has won again.
Similar to the fallout from the “defund the police” movement that resulted in widespread retirement and a drop in recruitment, people will think twice about helping fellow citizens when faced with a real threat.
This is yet another example of what happens when our politicians turn a blind eye to the actual problems facing ordinary New Yorkers.
Michael D’Auria
Bronxville
Daniel Penny never should have been arrested and put on trial for the death of Jordan Neely.
Penny’s intentions and actions to restrain Neely were honorable.
Good Samaritans should not be penalized for their charitability.
Thank goodness justice was served and Penny is a free man.
JoAnn Frank
Clearwater, Fla.
What is that smell in the air today?
Justice.
The sweet smell of real justice.
Go in peace, Daniel Penny.
Now it’s up to President-elect Donald Trump to award this man the Medal of Freedom.
Keith LePage
Huntington
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