NEW YORK, NY – The courthouse steps in New York became a battleground of emotions on Friday as protesters gathered in response to the acquittal of Daniel Penny. The jury found Penny not guilty of criminally negligent homicide, a decision that sparked immediate outcry from those who had been following the case closely.
As the verdict was announced, a large crowd of rioters, some chanting “No justice, no peace,” clashed with police barricades outside the courthouse. The atmosphere was charged with tension as the rioters voiced their anger over the jury’s decision. While a small group of Penny’s supporters were present, they were vastly outnumbered by those screaming.
Inside the courtroom, a different scene unfolded. Observers noted a rare moment of visible relief from Penny, who had maintained a stoic demeanor throughout the trial. His attorneys acknowledged the emotional toll the proceedings had taken on him, noting that he had been relying on the support of family and friends to navigate the stress.
Initially, the jury had been deadlocked on more serious charges. However, the judge allowed them to consider the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide, which still carried a significant penalty.
Bragg had hoped for a compromise verdict, but the jury ultimately found Penny not guilty on the lesser charge as well. The outcome left some questioning the strategy and expectations of the prosecution.
Legal experts have weighed in on the verdict, noting the complexities juries face when deliberating on charges of negligence versus more severe accusations. The decision underscores the challenges in securing convictions in cases that hinge on nuanced interpretations of intent and responsibility.
As the dust settles on this high-profile trial, questions remain about what the politically motivated nature of Alvin Bragg’s office and what many see as selective prosecution.