AOC has lost her mind.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for her far-left views, is facing backlash after a resurfaced video of her criticizing Daniel Penny, the Marine veteran who was acquitted of charges in the tragic death of Jordan Neely, went viral. In the video, filmed last year, Ocasio-Cortez expressed concern that Penny’s lack of remorse could lead to further violence on New York City’s subway system. She argued that without accountability, someone like Penny, who didn’t show regret for Neely’s death, could pose a future risk to commuters.
This statement has drawn criticism from many, particularly in light of the fact that Penny, 26, was cleared of all charges by a Manhattan jury on Monday after a high-profile trial. The incident occurred in May 2023 when Penny, along with other passengers, subdued Neely, a mentally disturbed homeless man, who had been aggressively threatening riders on a crowded F train. According to witnesses, Neely had said he didn’t care about going back to jail and was willing to kill someone.
After the trial, Penny was asked whether he would take similar action again if faced with a similar threat. He confidently replied that he would, as long as there was an immediate danger. This response only further fueled Ocasio-Cortez’s argument that Penny could be a danger to subway riders in the future.
However, many New Yorkers, especially those who rely on the subway system daily, have come to Penny’s defense, calling him a hero for standing up to an aggressive threat. One person even suggested that the subway line should be renamed in Penny’s honor, joking that it would be the safest line in New York. Others criticized Ocasio-Cortez for failing to understand the real dangers commuters face every day. One user called her remarks “delusional,” arguing that Penny was simply doing what any brave individual should in protecting fellow passengers.
Penny’s legal battle, which was closely watched nationwide, highlights the growing divide in how Americans view personal safety and the role of law enforcement. While the left, including figures like Ocasio-Cortez, has frequently criticized the actions of individuals like Penny, many Republicans and conservatives see him as a hero—a man who acted in defense of innocent people in a dangerous, chaotic situation. Penny’s acquittal was a victory for self-defense, personal responsibility, and common sense, and it’s clear that this case will continue to stir debate about safety, accountability, and the right to protect oneself in a world where threats are ever-present.
While Ocasio-Cortez may have framed the debate as one of moral responsibility, those who stand with Daniel Penny believe that when facing immediate danger, ordinary citizens should have the freedom to act in self-defense without fear of unjust criminal charges or public vilification. The debate surrounding this case isn’t just about one incident—it’s about how we as a society view personal safety and the justice system in a time when lawlessness is increasingly accepted in some parts of America.