Trial of Daniel Penny Begins Amid Protests

The trial of Daniel Penny, a former Marine accused of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide for the chokehold death of Jordan Neely, commenced with jury selection in Manhattan. Penny, who is white, faces up to 19 years in prison if convicted for the 2023 incident on a New York subway, where Neely, a Black homeless man, was allegedly acting erratically. Penny's defense argues he acted in self-defense to protect other passengers, while prosecutors have charged he recklessly caused Neely's death. The case has sparked national debate over issues of race, public safety, and vigilantism, with widespread public attention due to viral video footage of the incident. Jury selection is ongoing, with significant challenges due to the case's notoriety and potential juror biases. Civil rights activists and protesters are actively demonstrating outside the courthouse, advocating for justice for Jordan Neely.