The not guilty verdict for Daniel Penny has sent shockwaves through social media, and the reactions range from celebratory to downright scathing—depending on who you ask. For conservatives and champions of self-defense, this was nothing short of a victory lap. For the left? Well, they’re probably busy drafting their next think-piece about how justice is somehow oppression. Let’s break it down.
First, the facts. Penny, a 26-year-old Marine veteran, was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide after putting Jordan Neely in a chokehold during a volatile subway incident. Neely, a homeless man with a long history of mental illness and violent behavior, had been threatening passengers, shouting that someone was going to die.
Penny stepped in to protect the terrified riders, and Neely tragically died during the struggle. Despite clear evidence of Penny’s good intentions and Neely’s own contributory health issues, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg—because, of course, it was Alvin Bragg—decided to make an example out of Penny.
The backlash to Bragg’s prosecution came swiftly after the verdict. Fox News’s Greg Gutfeld summed it up with a perfectly measured response: “Hooray for Daniel Penny and those heroes who risk everything to help others. And a more than deserved f*** you to Alvin Bragg.” Bragg’s apparent eagerness to punish a man for defending subway passengers against a legitimate threat didn’t sit well with most Americans, who still believe in the radical concept of self-defense.
Hooray for Daniel Penny and those heroes who risk everything to help others. And a more than deserved fuck you to Alvin Bragg.
— GregGutfeld (@greggutfeld) December 9, 2024
Megyn Kelly took a more reverent tone, praising the outcome as proof that “sanity prevailed.” It’s telling that something as basic as protecting yourself and others is now considered an act of sanity, but hey, that’s 2024 for you.
Hollywood’s Justine Bateman also weighed in, calling the verdict a return to “common sense.” Maybe the tide is finally turning when even Hollywood stars can acknowledge that prosecuting a Good Samaritan is lunacy. Meanwhile, British commentator Piers Morgan called Penny’s acquittal “justice for a hero” and slammed the fact that it ever made it to court. Frankly, he’s right—this trial was a political circus from the start.
Podcaster Matt Walsh didn’t hold back either, calling for Penny to receive the Medal of Freedom for his bravery. Walsh also suggested Penny leave New York City for somewhere that appreciates him, like Tennessee. Considering the way NYC treats its heroes and panders to its criminals, Walsh might be onto something.
Even Meghan McCain, not exactly a hardline conservative, delivered a stinging rebuke to the left. “Daniel Penny did nothing wrong, you lunatics,” she wrote, highlighting how cases like these only radicalize regular people who see justice being twisted for ideological purposes. Hard to argue when the left spent months demonizing Penny for stepping up when no one else would.
This trial should never have happened, but the jury saw through the politics and delivered justice. It’s a moment to celebrate but also a wake-up call. This could have ended very differently if not for Penny’s ability to withstand the legal onslaught and the jury’s courage to do the right thing. For now, Penny is free, and America gets a small reminder that common sense hasn’t completely vanished—yet.
