Subway Fatality Raises Questions About Race, Mental Health, and Vigilatism

A controversial incident where a white former Marine choked a Black homeless man on the subway has sparked national debates.
The victim, Jordan Neely, suffered from mental illness and addiction; his family and advocates argue he did not deserve to die.
The man responsible, Daniel Penny, claims he acted in self-defense and to protect others, though charges are still pending.
Right-wing figures have lauded Penny as a "hero" and raised over $2 million for his legal defense, while protesters call for justice for Neely.
The tragedy has highlighted failures in the U.S. mental health system and raised fears of growing vigilantism and hostility towards the vulnerable.