On May 1, 2023, Alethea Gittings found herself on the Uptown F train, where a simple “thank you” would hold immense significance. This thank you was directed towards Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran who was now fighting for his freedom in a manslaughter trial. The events that unfolded that day, involving a homeless man named Jordan Neely, led to Penny’s actions being scrutinized in a courtroom.
Gittings recalled the moment when Neely, with mental health and substance abuse issues, boarded the train and began a tirade of threats and violent outbursts. She described feeling terrified as Neely’s rage filled the subway car. It was in the midst of this chaos that she witnessed Penny taking down Neely, using a chokehold that ultimately resulted in Neely’s death.
Despite the harrowing experience, Gittings felt a sense of gratitude towards Penny for his brave actions. She even went out of her way to return to the scene and thank him personally. Gittings, a seasoned subway rider with over 50 years of experience, had faced various forms of harassment and intimidation in the past. However, Neely’s behavior that day had left her genuinely scared.
During her testimony, Gittings emphasized that Penny never instructed her on what to say to the police. She also mentioned that Neely appeared to be struggling during the altercation and did not seem unconscious until later. Another witness, Dan Couvreur, echoed Gittings’ sentiments, describing the intense struggle between Penny and Neely.
Lori Sitro, another passenger on the train, recounted how she had to protect her young son from Neely’s aggressive behavior. Sitro and Couvreur both mentioned that they did not hear Neely gasping for breath or pleading for help during the incident. The shocking news of Neely’s death left them all reeling.
In a city where violent incidents are not uncommon, individuals like Penny who step up to help in such situations should be commended rather than prosecuted. Gittings’ simple act of gratitude towards Penny serves as a reminder of the bravery and selflessness exhibited by everyday heroes in times of crisis. The courtroom drama surrounding Penny’s trial underscores the complexities of such situations and the fine line between self-defense and unintended consequences.
