The unidentified former Marine who placed a ranting subway passenger in a fatal chokehold this week has already retained an attorney whose visage will be familiar to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
According to the New York Post, the ex-Marine, whose name is not being disclosed, has retained defense attorney Thomas Kenniff. In 2021, Republican Kenniff was defeated by Democrat Bragg in the election for district attorney.
The 24-year-old Queens resident responded to an out-of-control man on the subway by putting a homeless man, Jordan Neely, in a chokehold. Kenniff did not remark on the incident. Monday, the former Marine was questioned by police and then released.
Since then, the city’s medical examiner has determined that Neely was murdered. The office of Bragg has stated that it is investigating the case.
“As part of our rigorous ongoing investigation, we will review the Medical Examiner’s report, assess all available video and photo footage, identify and interview as many witnesses as possible, and obtain additional medical records,” read a statement from a spokesperson for the DA, according to WABC-TV.
Juan Alberto Vazquez noted in a Spanish-language Facebook post that was published by the Daily News his interpretation of what Neely said after he entered the metro car.
“I don’t have food, I don’t have a drink, I’m fed up. I don’t mind if I go to jail and (get) life in prison … I’m ready to die,” Vazquez quoted Neely as saying.
Let’s discuss Jordan Neely…
He perished after a marine veteran held him in a chokehold for 15 minutes on the New York City subway.
The incident prompted multiple calls to 911, according to the Daily News. In the past decade, Neely was arrested 42 times, according to the report.
The Daily News cited the Marine’s service record without mentioning his identity. It was reported that he served in the Marines for four years commencing in 2017 and left with the rank of sergeant.
The incident, which was documented on video, has sparked protests.
“No more killing with impunity. He needs to be arrested he needs to be charged … You can’t just take justice into your own hands.”,” Gladys Shahtou, 32, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, said.
Jordan Neely was arrested 42 times, 4 for assault. At the time of his death, he had an active warrant for assault.
Neely threatened to assault people on the subway.
A Marine and a good samaritan restrained him so he couldn’t.
I know who’s side I’m on.
How about you?
— Amiri King (@AmiriKing) May 5, 2023
Already, the incident has assumed significant political overtones.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted on Wednesday evening, “Jordan Neely was murdered.”
More on this story via The Western Journal:
Mayor Eric Adams responded Thursday that throwing around claims of murder was not “very responsible at a time when we’re still investigating the situation.” CONTINUE READING…
