A man, believed to be homeless, was killed by another New York subway passenger who held him in a chokehold for several minutes, according to police and a video taken of the incident.
Neely is recognizable to some New Yorkers as a Michael Jackson impersonator who regularly danced in the Times Square transit hub. On Monday afternoon, he was yelling and pacing back and forth on an F train in Manhattan, witnesses and police said, when he was restrained by at least three people, including a U.S. Marine veteran who pulled one arm tightly around his neck.
The footage appears to show Neely being choked by another subway passenger as a different passenger holds down Neely until he stops moving.
Police confirmed Neely lost consciousness after the physical struggle. Neely was rushed to Lenox Hill Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The medical examiner determined that Neely was killed by the chokehold, and his death has been ruled a homicide.
The 24-year-old man was questioned by detectives and released, according to police.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to the NYPD.
“This is a solemn and serious matter that ended in the tragic loss of Jordan Neely’s life,” a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said Wednesday night in a statement. “As part of our rigorous ongoing investigation, we will review the Medical Examiner’s report, assess all available video and photo footage, identify and interview as many witnesses as possible, and obtain additional medical records.”
“This investigation is being handled by senior, experienced prosecutors and we will provide an update when there is additional public information to share,” the spokesperson added, encouraging anyone who witnessed the incident or might have information to call 212-335-9040.
NYC Comptroller Brad Lander has spoken out over Neely’s death.
“NYC is not Gotham. We must not become a city where a mentally ill human being can be choked to death by a vigilante without consequence. Or where the killer is justified & cheered,” Lander said in a tweet.
Advocates for homeless populations say anti-homeless sentiment wrongfully paints this vulnerable population as inherently dangerous and creates a climate of fear of them that increases “the likelihood of these sorts of tragedies,” according to a statement from the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
“People experiencing homelessness are among the most vulnerable individuals in our communities,” the organization said.
Homeless populations are more likely to be victims of violence and crimes than general populations, according to research in The Lancet public health journal.
Reports of homeless people being killed or attacked in California and South Carolina have also made headlines in recent weeks.
Dave Giffen, executive director of the Coalition for the Homeless, said political rhetoric surrounding the community has led to violence and hate.
“The fact that someone who took the life of a distressed, mentally-ill human being on a subway could be set free without facing any consequences is shocking, and evidences the City’s callous indifference to the lives of those who are homeless and psychiatrically unwell,” said Giffen in a statement.
Gov. Kathy Hochul told reporters Wednesday that she found the video “deeply disturbing” and gave a nod to the $1 billion dollar investment in mental health services throughout the state.
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