Subway chokehold death: Police seek more video and witness testimony
NEW YORK - There's a growing interest into what led up to the choking death of Jordan Neely, 30, at the hands of a 24-year-old Marine veteran on a New York City subway.
The medical examiner’s office ruled Wednesday night that Neely's death was a homicide caused by compression of the neck, but there are still questions about the Marine's intent and culpability.
Footage of the incident has already become national news, but the NYPD is desperately trying to get more witnesses to come forward and get any additional photos and videos that might help investigators understand what transpired.
No one has been arrested, but the Manhattan district attorney’s office said it would continue to review autopsy reports and "assess all available video and photo footage, identify and interview as many witnesses as possible, and obtain additional medical records."
READ MORE: NYC subway chokehold: Homeless man's death ruled a homicide
Investigators and emergency workers at the scene of the subway struggle.
Both Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul have spoken out about the incident. However, their tones are very different.
Neely, who had been homeless at times according to people who knew him, was allegedly shouting at fellow passengers when another rider wrapped his arm around his neck and pinned him on the floor. Two other passengers also helped restrain Neely.
(Steve Pfost/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
"As I said, there have to be consequences, and so we’ll see how this unfolds. But his family deserves justice," Gov. Hochul said.
Mayor Adams had a different tone, and insisted that he would withhold judgment for now.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams addresses the possibility of protests this weekend over the police killing of Tyre Nichols in Tennessee.
READ MORE: NYC subway chokehold: Calls for criminal charges after death of Jordan Neely
Some are calling it a criminal, racist act, whereas others think it was self-defense. Authorities have also reserved judgment on the killing.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Wednesday that there will be a "rigorous" investigation into whether to bring charges.
Many New Yorkers saw the choking as the latest in a long history of attacks on Black city residents.
Dozens of people gathered Thursday night in Brooklyn's Barclay Center for a second day of demonstrations. On Wednesday a few dozen protesters gathered at the station where Neely died, calling for an arrest.
There are also many concerns surrounding the lethal risks of chokeholds.
Chokeholds have been known to be dangerous and sometimes lethal which even led New York City to ban police from using them.