8 Comments

For a guy who makes a big deal about his Judaism, he seems to have forgotten "thou shalt not kill" and "what is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow man." Also, why is a Long Island county executive meddling in NYC affairs? Clean up your own house, Bruce.

Expand full comment

And manslaughter is what he did. The move he put on his victim is called a "Rear Takedown and Strangle" when it is taught in Basic Training and it is well practiced by men in combat arms. It is one of several ways to kill in hand to hand combat.

Expand full comment

Thank you for covering this awfulness.

Expand full comment

I don’t recognize this country anymore

Expand full comment

First, thank you for this narrative. If I wind up reading about this event elsewhere, I have this perspective for balance, although if I had been there, your words likely encapsulate how I would have felt. One thing to add is that I like to believe that most of the officers assigned to this were probably trying to act professional. Or rather, I hope that is the case. As individuals, that is. On the other hand, the symbolism in such a large show of force is another thing.

The biggest worry for me is the support for vigilantism by elected officials. We know that vigilantism is a tool for authoritarian regimes, helping to turn citizen upon citizen. This is not debatable in a serious way. I see it the same way legally concerning Penny, at this time, in that it does not appear he was riding around trying to BE a vigilante. If that were the case, he could be charged with murder. So, the charge of manslaughter appears to be appropriate to the situation.

It would be outrageous, and a dereliction of duty, for a prosecutor NOT to charge Penny with anything and simply let him go. Only a jury can decide whether or not he is guilty, and of course what sentence is appropriate. It could very well be that Penny is guilty of manslaughter but receives a lighter sentence because of the circumstances. But I don't know all of that yet.

Expand full comment

The world has changed, it’s now more of a ghetto than I had ever imagined!

Expand full comment

Penny the train marine is a killer . I would not want him on any train I would be riding . No choke holes no vigilantes killings. Nassau County . If the races was reversed you would not feel that way . Penny should have waited called 911 . Neely is not on trail for his past crimes . Mentally disturbed individual homeless often has criminal records it common . I would only want some one helping me like that if I was physically harm . Sticks and stones triple teaming one human being is a cowardly act . If Penny was train then he did suppress neely carotids artery until death . Penny nor any one else has the right to play GOD . I been on the public train and witness mentally ill acting out , but their was no Penney to murder them on the train White too .

Expand full comment