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'That's what heroes do': Internet reacts as Daniel Penny surrenders for chokehold death of Jordan Neely

'Every cop and every decent person including lawyers, knows he did the right thing,' wrote a user

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK CITY: The former Marine who held Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold on the F train in the Manhattan subway on May 1, has surrendered after 11 days to face criminal charges over Neely's death. Daniel Penny, 24, turned himself in to New York police early on Friday, May 12 morning to be arrested on a second-degree manslaughter charge.

Penny arrived at NYPS's 5th precinct just after 8 am and did not respond to the questions from reporters gathered outside. Even though his attorneys believe he will be exonerated fully of any wrongdoings, the internet has had mixed reactions as he surrendered, with some suggesting "he should be made an example."

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'Penny should have known when to stop without killing'

"He needs to be made an example of. You can’t play vigil ante or citizen cop and murder someone. Period," a Twitter user reacted soon after Penny's surrender to the New York police. "Whether or not he should have intervened in the first place is one thing, but more importantly, he's a trained professional and should have known when to stop without killing a man," another user wrote. One more user wrote, "I really don’t see why his status as a military veteran should help him; the military trains people to kill other men. And trains them when not to kill."

Penny has served as an infantry squad leader in the Marines Corps

With the charges, the marine could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the manslaughter charge. Penny has served as an infantry squad leader in the Marines Corps from 2017 to 2021. Penny, who graduated from high school in West Islip, New York, was also an instructor in water survival while in the service. He is reportedly still on active duty and in good standing with the Marine Corps. He is accused of putting Jordan Neely, 30, a homeless man under a chokehold as he allegedly acted erratically, harassing other passengers.

'Penny will be fully absolved of any wrongdoing'

Raiser and Kenniff, attorneys for Penny told the Independent that they were confident he will be "fully absolved of any wrongdoings."  The attorneys stated, “When Penny, a decorated Marine veteran, stepped in to protect himself and his fellow New Yorkers, his well-being was not assured. He risked his own life and safety, for the good of his fellow passengers.” They added, “The unfortunate result was the unintended and unforeseen death of Neely. We are confident that once all the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are brought to bear, Mr Penny will be fully absolved of any wrongdoing.”

'He's a man who has accepted responsibility for his actions'

Meanwhile, some users reacted by stating that he was a hero by accepting responsibility, "Because he's a man who has accepted responsibility for his actions. That's what heroes do," wrote one. Another reacted by stating, "Every cop and every decent person including lawyers, knows he did the right thing." One more said, "100% support for Daniel Penny. Clean up your cities so good citizens aren't put in this position to do it for you."

"And he has his head held up high." Thomas Kenniff, Penny's attorney said outside the NYPD precinct as Penny surrendered. On being inquired, how his client was feeling, he said, "He’s dealing with the situation as I said with the sort of integrity and honor that is characteristic of who he is and characteristic of his honorable service in the US Marine Corps." Previously Jordan Neely's uncle Christopher Neely expressed dissatisfaction, telling New York Post, he doesn’t think the manslaughter charge went far enough and wanted to see Penny charged with murder.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.