Alvin Bragg Accused of Pressuring Jury in Daniel Penny Case: Andy McCarthy
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is under scrutiny for allegedly attempting to manipulate the jury in the Daniel Penny case by dismissing manslaughter charges when they seemed deadlocked, according to former U.S. assistant attorney Andy McCarthy. McCarthy claims that Bragg introduced a reckless charge to the indictment to increase the chances of a conviction by providing the jury with a compromise.
The manslaughter charge against Penny required prosecutors to demonstrate that he acted recklessly when he placed mentally ill homeless man Jordan Neely in a chokehold during a subway incident on May 1, 2023. Neely, who was high on drugs and making threats, triggered a chaotic and dangerous situation, as described in trial testimonies.
Legal Maneuvers Unfold in Court
After the jury appeared to be at an impasse, New York judge Maxwell Wiley allowed the consideration of reckless homicide charges at the behest of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Initially, the judge had ruled that the jury could only deliberate on the second charge if they found Penny not guilty of manslaughter for reasons other than the chokehold being justified. However, Assistant District Attorney Dafna Yoran requested the dismissal of the top charge to enable the jury to focus on discussing the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of four years in prison.
Expert Opinions and Reactions
In response to these legal developments, political analysts, commentators, and legal experts have voiced their opinions. Andy McCarthy criticized Bragg’s strategy, claiming that the prosecution should never have proceeded in this manner. He asserted that the case against Penny was not based on recklessness, as Penny’s actions were aimed at ensuring Neely’s safety and cooperating with the authorities.
Claremont Institute senior fellow Jeremy Carl expressed outrage at the court proceedings, comparing them to the controversial Kyle Rittenhouse case. Former “The View” co-host Meghan McCain defended Penny, highlighting his heroic actions in a tense situation involving a mentally ill individual on the subway.
Conclusion
As the trial of Daniel Penny continues, the legal community and the public are closely watching the unfolding events. The allegations of jury manipulation and legal maneuvering have raised concerns about the pursuit of justice in this case. With expert opinions and emotional responses coming to the forefront, the fate of Daniel Penny hangs in the balance as the legal system navigates through complex and contentious issues.
