Congressman Lawler Calls For Removal Of DA Bragg Following Daniel Penny Verdict

By Idy Perl

After multiple days of deliberations, a jury in Manhattan has found Daniel Penny not guilty of criminally negligent homicide

Penny was charged with manslaughter (a charge that was tossed last Friday after the jury couldn't reach a unanimous verdict) and criminally negligent homicide after putting Jordan Neely, a mentally-ill and aggressive male who was threatening passengers on the NYC subway, in a fatal chokehold in an effort to protect his fellow commuters. The controversial case has garnered a lot of attention and sparked conversations about self-defense and the lack of resources and effort on the city's end to keep dangerous people off the streets. 

As the case comes to a close, Congressman Mike Lawler released a statement calling for the removal of DA Alvin Bragg due to his prosecution of Donald Trump, Daniel Penny, and Jose Alba, a Harlem clerk who was similarly charged with murder in 2022 for fatally stabbing a violent customer in self defense. 

"The jury righted a tremendous wrong; he never should've been charged in the first place," Congressman Lawler said. "Daniel Penny has served our country and sought to protect perfect strangers. This is a just verdict. 

Alvin Bragg has failed in his responsibilites to enforce the law and keep New Yorkers safe. Sadly, he has engaged in political prosecution on numerous cases, including President Trump, Daniel Penny, and Jose Alba. He should be removed from office immediately."