Officials in New York held a rally Wednesday in support of Daniel Penny, the U.S. Marine who was caught on video putting New York City subway performer Jordan Neely in a chokehold before he died, ABC7 reported.
"Every day, tens of thousands of Nassau County residents commute into New York City," said the Long Island county's executive Bruce Blakeman said. "I'm worried about them. I'm worried about our Nassau County residents. Just think of it. Good Samaritans should be encouraged. Good Samaritans should be a part of the fabric of our community."
"He cared about his fellow subway riders," Blakeman said. "He cared enough to get involved. And isn't that what we want?
Neely, 30, died after Penny, 24, after he reportedly entered a subway car ranting and threatening riders. Penny put him in a chokehold, and argues he was acting to protect other passengers. He's been charged with manslaughter.
As Blakeman spoke, a crowd of counter-protesters carrying signs reading "Justice for Jordan Neely" yelled for Blakeman to "go back to Long Island."
After Blakeman was done speaking, scuffles broke out amongst the crowd of supporters and counter-protesters. As a result, three people were arrested for obstruction of governmental administration, the report said.
