National Urban League Dismayed by Daniel Perry's Acquittal, Stands with Neely Family

NEW YORK (December 10, 2024) – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial released the following statement in response to the acquittal of Daniel Penny, the former U.S. Marine who strangled Jordan Neely on a packed New York City subway car last May:

"We are dismayed by this miscarriage of justice in response to a needless act of violence that not only violated Jordan Neely's civil rights but cut short the life of a gifted dancer. Instead of seeking the help Jordan Neely so clearly needed, Daniel Penny choked him for six long minutes as fellow passengers repeatedly begged him to stop.

"This case sets a dangerous precedent that state-sanctioned violence against those suffering from illnesses like schizophrenia is tolerated in New York City,

“The Urban League movement advocates for legal protections for all Americans, regardless of race, color, zip code, or mental health status. We should all feel safe in our communities. Every day, New Yorkers encounter other New Yorkers who have mental or behavioral health challenges. Sometimes, these interactions are uncomfortable. Yet, we cannot live in a city where one resident can execute another simply because they feel uncomfortable.

"The Urban League movement stands with the Neely family today and advocates for protecting New Yorkers who are navigating mental and behavioral health challenges. We are calling for lawmakers to double down on providing more mental health services for people in need. Jordan Neely needed a helping hand and not a chokehold. He deserved better."