Jordan Neely, a 29-year-old Black homeless man, was killed on the New York City subway on Monday. Video footage captured by a passenger shows a 24-year-old ex-Marine choking Neely until he became unconscious. The medical examiner has since confirmed that Neely died as a result of compression of the neck, which is classified as a homicide.
The incident has sparked public outrage and protests among civil rights activists, who have condemned the police for their inadequate response to the mental health crisis in the city. Neely had a documented history of mental illness and had been arrested more than 40 times prior to his death.
Advocates for the homeless population have stated that incidents like these arise from a climate of fear and anti-homeless sentiment. There is a widespread misconception that all homeless people are inherently dangerous and pose a threat to public safety, a belief that is not supported by data.
The reality is that homeless populations are often more vulnerable to violent crimes and police brutality. Policies to address homelessness, including increased access to mental health services and affordable housing, are urgently needed, and will ultimately benefit both the homeless population and the general public.
The tragic and unnecessarily violent death of Jordan Neely is a sign of larger systemic issues that must be addressed by city officials, including the need for more investment in mental health care and social services for vulnerable populations. Civil rights activists are calling for the responsible parties to be held accountable for Neely’s death, and for city leaders to take action to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
In the wake of this incident, it is essential for all New Yorkers to come together to support those who are most in need and to work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has access to the resources and support they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
