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Rev. Al Sharpton said during the funeral of Jordan Neely that "they put their arms around all of us" when Marine veteran Daniel Penny fatally choked a homeless man on a New York City train on May 1.

Penny, 24, is being charged on one count of second-degree manslaughter for allegedly choking Neely, 30, to death. Prosecutors say that Neely was "making threats and scaring passengers."

At Neely's funeral service on Friday, Sharpton told attendees that "when they choked Jordan, they put their arms around all of us," according to the New York Post.

"All of us have the right to live," Sharpton said.

NYC MARINE VETERAN CHARGED IN DEATH OF MAN 'MAKING THREATS AND SCARING PASSENGERS': PROSECUTORS

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - MAY 19: The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks during the funeral of Jordan Neely at Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem, New York City, United States on May 19, 2023. Neely was choked to death earlier this month on the subway by a marine veteran. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency)

"Who thought it was alright for this man to choke a brother to death and go home to see his family?" Sharpton added. "Who gave the order it was alright to release him?"

In attendance at the funeral was Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

"He contributed to this community," Ocasio-Cortez said. "What we saw today was a gathering of hundreds of people who knew him and saw him and valued him. Its important a human life is recognized."

WITNESS TO JORDAN NEELY CHOKEHOLD DEATH CALLS DANIEL PENNY A 'HERO'

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - MAY 19: People attended the funeral of Jordan Neely at Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem, New York City, United States on May 19, 2023. Neely was choked to death earlier this month on the subway by a marine veteran. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency)

Mourners attend the funeral service for Jordan Neely, at Mount Neboh Baptist Church in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City on May 19, 2023. The death of Jordan Neely, widely identified as a Michael Jackson impersonator who often performed on the train, was caught on camera and has angered activists and left-leaning lawmakers. The incident touches on two burning issues in the city, the many homeless people suffering mental illness and residents' fears for their safety as they travel in the subway. (Ed Jones / AFP)

Penny was charged last week in the incident.

"Several witnesses observed Mr. Neely making threats and scaring passengers," Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass said at the arraignment. "The defendant approached Mr. Neely from behind and placed him in a chokehold, taking him down to the ground."

KID ROCK TOP DONOR TO DANIEL PENNY'S DEFENSE IN NYC SUBWAY CHOKEHOLD DEATH

US Marine veteran Daniel Penny is walked out of the New York Police Department 5th Precinct in Lower Manhattan, May 12, 2023 on his way to a arraignment after he surrendered to authorities after being charged with 2nd Degree Manslaughter in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely. The death of Jordan Neely -- widely identified as a Michael Jackson impersonator who often performed on the train -- earlier this month sparked outrage. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images) (Timothy Clary/AFP via Getty Images)

Penny's attorney, Thomas Keniff, argues that Penny was acting to protect himself as well as other passengers who felt threatened.

If convicted, Penny could face a maximum of 5 to 15 years in prison.

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Mourners attend the funeral service for Jordan Neely, at Mount Neboh Baptist Church in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City on May 19, 2023. The death of Jordan Neely, widely identified as a Michael Jackson impersonator who often performed on the train, was caught on camera and has angered activists and left-leaning lawmakers. The incident touches on two burning issues in the city, the many homeless people suffering mental illness and residents' fears for their safety as they travel in the subway. (Ed Jones/AFP)

Neely had a history of attacks against subway riders, including one 2021 instance where he punched a 67-year-old woman, breaking her orbital bone and nose, according to court records.

Fox News' Rebecca Rosenberg contributed to this report.

Excerpt from:
Jordan Neely death: Al Sharpton says 'they put their arms around all of us' in funeral speech - Fox News

HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- Loved ones gathered in Harlem Friday for the funeral of Jordan Neely.

Reverend Al Sharpton delivered a powerful eulogy at Mount Neboh Baptist Church. Sharpton included remarks condemning vigilantism. Neely, 30, died after Marine Veteran Daniel Penny, 24, put him in a chokehold on an F train earlier this month.

Lawyers for Penny say Neely was threatening passengers, but a grand jury handed up an indictment and Penny has since been charged with manslaughter.

"We shouldn't not celebrate Jordan's life, but we should not forget how he died. We're not here because of natural causes," Sharpton said at the start of his eulogy. The reverend equated Neely's life of struggle to constantly being choked.

"A good Samaritan helps those in trouble, they don't choke them out," he added to much applause. The church was filled with mourners who often chanted "no justice, no peace" during the service.

"He was a homeless man but he was a human being. You don't deserve that. No, nobody deserves to die like that," mourner Noel McDonald said.

The former Michael Jackson impersonator more recently battled mental health problems and was in and out of psychiatric care more than 40 times, arrested another 40 times, and even accused of brutally beating a woman.

"Jordan was not annoying anyone on the train. Jordan was screaming for help. We keep criminalizing people with mental illness. They don't need abuse, they need help," Sharpton added.

Family members have said the trouble really started after Neely's mother was brutally murdered in 2007. The funeral for Jordan's mother was held at the same church.

In a new interview on "Nightline," one of Neely's aunts says he was homeless by choice.

"Not to my knowledge," said Midlred E.J.B. Mahazu," Neely's aunt. "I wouldn't consider Jordan being homeless. Jordan just liked to be out. He had a grandma and a grandpa here. He had aunts. He had uncles, right here. He just didn't want to be tied up, I guess. He'd do what he wanted to do concerning that, so we couldn't make him."

"So he, his choice was to live on the street?" Pitts asked.

"I assume he did," Mahazu said.

Sharpton stressed that the Neely family should not have to stand alone as they grieve Jordan's loss.

"In your name, we're gonna change how they deal with the homeless. In your name, we're gonna change city services. Jordan, you didn't die for nothing," Sharpton said.

Sharpton thanked Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, who was at the service, for her advocacy for Jordan.

Eyewitness News learned detectives are still looking to interview people on that train, including at least one of the men who helped Penny hold Neely down.

There have been conflicting accounts from witnesses, some believing the chokehold went too far, while others are calling Penny a hero.

"If you look at Jordan, he was defenseless. He didn't fight them. He was just like, combo sweet. And I just feel bad for both families," mourner Sharon John said.

ALSO READ | Jordan Neely's family calls Daniel Penny's statement 'admission of guilt'

Jordan Neely's death sparks protest on subway tracks

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Jordan Neely NYC subway chokehold death: Reverend Al Sharpton to deliver eulogy, condemn vigilantism - WABC-TV

NEW YORK -- Rev. Al Sharpton said the manslaughter charge against Daniel Penny is "just step one" in getting justice for Jordan Neely.

Sharpton again called for other subway riders seen on video restraining Neely while Penny held him in a chokehold to be held accountable.

Penny was arrested, arraigned and released on bond Friday. The 24-year-old Marine veteran was charged with second degree manslaughter in Neely's death on the subway.

"He's dealing with the situation with the sort of integrity and honor that is characteristic of who he is," said Thomas Kenniff, Penny's attorney.

Advocates said this is just the beginning of the long road toward justice. At a news conference Saturday morning, Sharpton is expected to call for other passengers who were on the subway to face consequences too.

On Friday, attorneys for Neely's family called for more serious charges. Neely's father and aunt were too distraught to speak.

"The consequences of manslaughter two is five to 15 years. Ask yourself, is that enough? Is that enough for someone who choked somebody out on the train and took their life?" said Lennon Edwards, an attorney for Neely's family.

Attorneys described how Neely's mental health declined after his mother was choked to death when he was a child. Despite intermittent treatment, a lack of resources left him homeless, they said.

"For everybody saying 'I've been on the train and I've been afraid before and I can't tell you what I would've done in that situation,' I'm gonna tell you. Ask how you can help, please," said Donte Mills, an attorney for Neely's family.

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At Penny's arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass alleged, "Several witnesses observed Mr. Neely making threats and scaring passengers, the defendant approached Mr. Neely from behind and placed him in a chokehold, taking him down to the ground."

They said Penny continued for several minutes, including after Neely stopped moving.

The defense told the judge Penny was cooperating with police, earned multiple medals in the Marine Corps before being honorably discharged and is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in architecture at a college in New York City.

Penny did not have to enter a plea.

"Because the grand jury hasn't yet indicted him and the people, the prosecutor, plan to bring this before a grand jury," said legal expert Andrew Lieb.

Penny was questioned by police and released on the day of Neely's death. The Civilian Complaint Review Board is investigating NYPD's decision not to arrest him.

Sharpton said he has the same questions.

Christina Fan joined CBS2 News as a general assignment reporter in spring of 2019.

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Rev. Al Sharpton says Daniel Penny's arrest is "just step one" in getting justice for Jordan Neely - CBS News

Rev. Dr. Johnnie Melvin Green, Jr., Senior Pastor of Mount Neboh Baptist Church (1883 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard) in Harlem, through the family of Jordan Neely, has requested Rev. Al Sharpton deliver his eulogy when he is laid to rest on Friday, May 19th.

A viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service starting at 11 a.m.

Green is the longtime pastor for Neelys family and presided over his mothers funeral in 2007. The specifics of Neelys funeral, including the time of his wake and service, are still in formation and will be released as soon as possible.

RELATED: Jordan Neelys family responds to killer Daniel Pennys admission of guilt

I have asked Rev. Sharpton to deliver the eulogy at Jordans funeral, at the request and direction of the Neely family. As we face sorrow, pain, and uncertainty in the wake of Jordans senseless killing, it is crucial that we come together in the spirit of healing, action, and perseverance. I can think of no one better, no one more equipped to meet this moment with that grace and guidance than Rev. Sharpton.

Details on the arrangements are forthcoming and will be announced.

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Jordan Neely to be eulogized by Rev. Al Sharpton - Amsterdam News

Rev. Al Sharpton is delivering a eulogy Friday for Jordan Neely, the 30-year-old homeless man who was strangled to death by a passenger on a New York subway.

Neely died on May 1after being held in a stranglehold.

Last week, Daniel Penny was arrested and charged in connection to Neelys death.Pennys lawyers have reportedlysaid he acted out of self-defense.

Sharptons National Action Network said he is delivering the eulogy at the request of his family.

Neelys funeral is being held at Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem.

Neelys family said he was experiencing a mental health episode while on the train. Sharpton and New York Mayor Eric Adams have condemned the killing.

Killing at the hands of a fellow passenger and the responses to this violence that took his life have been not only tragic but difficult to absorb, Adams said. Racism that continues to permeate throughout our society allows for a level of dehumanization that denies Black people from being recognized as victims when subjected to acts of violence. The perceptions of Black people have long been interpreted through a distorted, racialized lens that aims to justify violence against us. It is another example of how far we remain from an equitable and just society.

SEE MORE: Marine veteran who fatally choked NYC subway rider surrenders

Juan Alberto Vazquez told WNBCthat he and others on the train were scared, claiming that Neely yelled and threatened passengers. He said the chokehold lasted 15 minutes as Neely allegedly continued to kick and struggle with Penny and two other passengers.

Neelys death prompted protests in New York City and calls for action to help the citys homeless population.

There are more Jordans out there, people who are loved, people in need of compassion, treatment, and protection people like Jordan. Jordan Neely's life mattered. He was suffering from severe mental illness, but that was not the cause of his death. His death is a tragedy that never should have happened, Adams said.

Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com

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Rev. Sharpton eulogizes Jordan Neely, man killed on NY subway - 25 News KXXV and KRHD