Daniel Penny has been found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, who died following a chokehold incident on a New York City subway.

After deliberating for more than 24 hours over five days, the jury reached its verdict, prompting an emotional and chaotic scene in the courtroom.

As the not-guilty verdict was read, the courtroom erupted with a mix of cheers, applause, and angry outbursts. Jordan Neely’s father, Andre Zachary, cursed in frustration and was forcibly removed by court officers. Others in the gallery shouted in protest, with one woman breaking down in tears.

Penny, walking out of the courtroom, briefly smiled before returning to a composed demeanor. His lawyers exchanged hugs, visibly relieved by the outcome.

Andre Zachary, who filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Penny last week, criticized the verdict during a press conference held shortly after the trial concluded.

“I miss my son. My son didn’t have to go through this, and I didn’t have to go through this either. It hurts—really, really hurts,” Zachary said, addressing supporters and protesters. “What are we going to do, people? What’s going to happen to us now?”

Protesters outside the courthouse chanted “Say his name—Jordan Neely” and “No justice, no peace.” Police later intervened to disperse the crowd as tensions escalated.

Neely’s family attorney, Donte Mills, expressed disappointment with the jury’s decision but pledged to continue pursuing justice through the civil lawsuit.

“I promised this family justice—we are still going to do that,” Mills said. “The district attorney did a good job, but the jury in this case let us down.”

The case has drawn significant public attention and sparked debate over issues of self-defense and the treatment of individuals experiencing mental health crises in public spaces. As Penny walks free from criminal charges, the civil case now becomes the next battleground for accountability.