Following the acquittal of U.S. Marine veteran Daniel Penny, Hawk Newsome, the leader of Black Lives Matter Greater New York, made a fiery call for “Black vigilante justice.” Penny was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man who died during an altercation on a New York City subway.

The incident took place in May 2023, when Neely reportedly threatened passengers with violent remarks, saying someone was going to “die today.” Witnesses testified that Penny restrained Neely in a chokehold to prevent further escalation. Neely, who had a long criminal record with 44 arrests, died during the struggle.

Newsome, who claimed to be related to Neely, lashed out after the verdict. “We need some black vigilantes,” he told reporters. “People want to jump up and choke us and kill us for being loud, how about we do the same when they attempt to oppress us.”

Newsome’s comments also included sharp criticisms of the U.S., calling America a country that perpetuates violence against Black people. “America will never fix the issue of black people because America needs a punching bag,” he said, adding, “So f**k America.”

Key testimony during the trial contradicted claims that Penny’s chokehold was solely responsible for Neely’s death. Dr. Satish Chundru, a forensic pathologist, testified that Neely’s death was caused by a combination of factors, including schizophrenia, synthetic marijuana, a sickle cell crisis, and the struggle itself. “The chokehold did not cause death,” Chundru stated.

The verdict has drawn divided reactions, with some applauding the decision as just while others, like Newsome, view it as evidence of systemic injustice. The heated remarks from the BLM leader have further intensified an already polarized national conversation.