The Lack of Solidarity Among Subway Vigilantes
In the world of subway vigilantes, there seems to be a distinct lack of solidarity. Jordan Williams, a former FedEx worker who gained national attention for killing a man who attacked his girlfriend on a Brooklyn J train, has expressed his lack of empathy for fellow subway vigilante Daniel Penny. Williams hopes that Penny, a former US Marine, will be convicted for his actions.
Williams made it clear that serving in the military does not excuse violent behavior towards innocent people. He stated, “Just because you serve the country, that doesn’t mean you get to come back into the country and attack random people for no reason.” Williams, reflecting on his own experience, faced manslaughter charges after killing Devictor Ouedraogo, but the charges were dropped due to video evidence showing Ouedraogo as the aggressor.
Penny’s case, on the other hand, involves the killing of a homeless man named Jordan Neely on a Manhattan F train. Video footage captured Penny holding Neely, who had been menacing passengers, in a chokehold. Penny is currently facing manslaughter charges, with his trial set to begin in October. It is worth noting that Neely had a long history of mental illness and had been arrested numerous times before.
Williams emphasized that the two cases are completely different. He argued that Neely did not physically harm anyone and questioned why there are people advocating for Penny’s release when he attacked a man for no reason. Williams also raised concerns about racism and discrimination, pointing out that a GoFundMe campaign for Penny raised millions of dollars while a fundraiser for him only generated around $120,000.
Despite his case being dropped, Williams continues to face the repercussions of his actions. While he is happily living with his girlfriend and their newborn son, he has struggled to find employment. The $15,000 settlement he received from FedEx is long gone, and he now relies on donations to survive. Williams expressed his desire to find a job and provide for his family, stating that he is willing to work any hours and go anywhere.
This narrative highlights the lack of unity among subway vigilantes. While some may argue that they are all fighting for justice, the different circumstances surrounding each case reveal the complexity of these situations. It also sheds light on the long-term consequences faced by individuals like Jordan Williams, who, despite having charges dropped, continue to grapple with the aftermath of their actions.
