Vance Comments on Subway Incident
Vice President JD Vance made a statement regarding Daniel Penny, referencing an incident on the New York City subway. He expressed that Penny’s actions prevented a more serious situation from occurring and noted that, instead of receiving gratitude, he faced backlash. This remark came in the context of an emotional moment involving Iryna Zarutska, who appeared distressed after a related attack.
Vance doesn’t seem to hold any personal animosity towards Penny, who is currently facing charges of criminally negligent murder in Manhattan. Penny, a Marine Corps veteran, drew public attention in 2023 when he used a chokehold on Jordan Neely, who was reportedly threatening other passengers. Neely died shortly after, leading to manslaughter charges against Penny.
In a discussion about media coverage, it was noted that the New York Times highlighted various violent incidents, with Neely receiving significantly less mention than figures like George Floyd or Trayvon Martin. The disparity was brought to light by a Twitter user, prompting a broader debate on compassion and media bias.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed sorrow over Neely’s “tragic loss” but insisted that Neely was not a victim in this case. Reports indicated that some witnesses heard Neely stating ominously that “someone will die today,” which contributed to the tense atmosphere before the chokehold incident.
One witness recounted how Neely had expressed a desire to go to prison, and it was reported that Neely had a criminal history with 42 prior arrests, including incidents involving the elderly. Vance pointed out that law enforcement had encountered Neely multiple times and criticized politicians for their failure to address the situation adequately.
Vance highlighted what he deemed a double standard in media reporting, contrasting the way Daniel Penny was treated compared to other individuals involved in violent crimes. He argued that the narrative often shifts blame away from the people committing these acts, suggesting a deeper cultural issue.
He concluded that Penny’s punishment for intervening and saving lives contrasted sharply with the lack of accountability for others, alluding to a systemic issue that he believes Democrats often downplay. Vance’s remarks opened a larger conversation on justice and public safety, implying that the focus should be on addressing violent crime more directly.
