The jury found Daniel Penny not guilty based on the defense's argument of self-defense, emphasizing the threat posed by Jordan Neely on the subway and the need to protect fellow passengers, including women and children.
There was a significant outburst of emotion, with applause and cheering from the Penny side, and threats and angry remarks from the Neely side, leading to the removal of some individuals from the courtroom.
Penny may still face a civil lawsuit from Neely's family, similar to the civil suit that followed the Bernard Goetz case, which resulted in tens of millions in liability.
The jury was able to hear the protests from the 13th floor, which led to speculation about potential intimidation or influence, but the jury ultimately delivered a not guilty verdict, indicating they ignored the external pressure.
The defense successfully argued self-defense, highlighting the threat Neely posed to subway passengers and the need for immediate action. Additionally, the prosecution's inability to conclusively prove that the chokehold caused Neely's death also played a crucial role.
The acquittal was seen as a significant victory for ordinary Americans and a repudiation of the BLM movement's influence on the justice system, marking a shift in public sentiment against the perceived excesses of social justice activism.
Neely's father expressed deep pain and frustration, stating that the system is rigged and calling for action to address the perceived injustice.
Daphne Rand was the prosecutor in the case and had a history of advocating for reduced sentences in cases involving violent crimes, which some critics saw as leniency that did not align with public safety interests.
The suspect was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after an employee recognized him from media coverage. The arrest revealed a gun, a silencer, multiple false IDs, and manifesto-like documents.
The items found, including a ghost gun, designer clothes, multiple false IDs, and manifesto-like documents, suggested a planned and politically motivated attack, contrasting with initial speculation about a professional assassination.
Daniel Penny is walking free! Blake Neff and Jack Posobiec react to the momentous news, joined by reporter Joseph Brucker, who was in the courtroom when the verdict was read. The crew plays the unhinged reactions from BLM radicals, and also hits the extra breaking news about the arrest of the UnitedHealth CEO shooter.
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