WASHINGTON (1010 WINS) — President Joe Biden responded to the chokehold killing of Jordan Neely on Tuesday for the first time since the 30-year-old homeless man died last week.
The president described the killing as “tragic and deeply disturbing” and called for an investigation into the incident.
“Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones,” said Biden in the statement. “We firmly believe that the events surrounding his death demand a thorough investigation.”
Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old Marine veteran, put Jordan Neely, a homeless Michael Jackson impersonator who was acting erratically, in a chokehold until he lost consciousness on May 1. New York medical examiners confirmed that Neely died from compression of the neck and deemed his death a homicide.
Neely was yelling at riders that he didn't have any food when he was attacked, but he had not assaulted anyone, according to witnesses.
Police initially arrested Penny, but released him without filing any charges.
Protesters have taken to the streets and occupied the Broadway-Lafayette F train station where Neely was killed in response to the incident.
Eleven people were arrested at a protest on Monday, including a photojournalist who has been published in the New York Times, Bloomberg, Reuters and other major outlets. She was wearing a New York City-issued press badge when officers arrested her.
Joe Biden is scheduled to come to New York City on Wednesday for a $25,000-per-person fundraising dinner.
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