What We Know: BLM Leader Appears to Threaten Violence, Calls for “Black Vigilantes” to be Unleashed Following Daniel Penny’s Acquittal

Following the acquittal of Daniel Penny in the trial related to the death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway, Hawk Newsome, a leader associated with the Black Lives Matter movement in Greater New York, made statements advocating for "black vigilantes." This reaction was in response to Penny's not guilty verdict on charges of criminally negligent homicide. 

Newsome's comments included calls for black people to take matters into their own hands, suggesting a form of vigilante justice in response to perceived oppression or violence against black individuals. This rhetoric was seen by some as threatening, especially in the context of the trial's outcome, where racial tensions were highlighted due to Penny being white and Neely being black. The incident in question involved Penny, a former Marine, using a chokehold on Neely, who was reportedly acting erratically and threatening passengers, which led to Neely's death.

The call for "black vigilantes" by Newsome can be interpreted as advocating for a community-driven response to perceived injustices, potentially outside the legal system. This statement has stirred controversy, with critics viewing it as incitement to violence or vigilantism, while supporters might see it as a call for self-defense or community protection in the absence of what they perceive as equitable legal outcomes. 

This situation underscores ongoing debates about race, justice, and the role of vigilante actions within society, especially in high-profile cases that intersect with issues of mental health, public safety, and racial dynamics. The discourse around this event has been polarized, reflecting broader societal tensions regarding law enforcement, justice, and racial equity.