Fox News host Harris Faulkner took aim [1] at Black Lives Matter (BLM) and left-wing narratives claiming systemic hatred toward black Americans in response to former Marine Daniel Penny’s acquittal in Manhattan.
Penny, 26, was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, during a subway altercation in May.
On her show, The Faulkner Focus, Faulkner highlighted the presence of BLM activists outside the courthouse following the verdict, some of whom called for “black vigilantes” to avenge Neely’s death.
NY BLM leader Hawk Newsome calls for “Black vigilantes” to step up in response to Daniel Penny’s acquittal. pic.twitter.com/HWSY3fNyV1 [2]
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 9, 2024 [3]
“BLM leaders were outside the courthouse saying things like, ‘America hates black people,’” Faulkner noted. “That rhetoric is so far afield from the facts of this case. I can’t even imagine how we got here.”
Faulkner also addressed threats of violent protests, quoting activists who suggested buildings and cars might be set on fire in response to the verdict.
She criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for failing to address these threats publicly.
“When you say you want to burn stuff because you think people who look like me are hated in America, that puts everyone in danger,” Faulkner said.
“Where is Alvin Bragg? He should be on the courthouse steps right now, ensuring everyone that justice has been served and warning that rioting will not be tolerated.”
Paul Mauro, a former NYPD inspector and Fox News contributor, joined Faulkner to discuss the city’s response to the threats.
Mauro argued that Bragg’s handling of the case had contributed to a racially charged atmosphere. “We’ve reverted to a more racialized culture,” Mauro said, adding that Bragg has brought the city “back 30 years.”
Penny’s trial centered on a subway altercation in which he restrained Neely in a chokehold after Neely reportedly acted erratically, screamed at passengers, and intimidated others on the train.
Footage of the incident showed Penny subduing Neely until his body went limp.
Penny’s defense argued that his actions were intended to protect passengers from a perceived threat.
On Friday, the judge dismissed the top charge of manslaughter after jurors twice reported they could not reach a unanimous decision.
Penny had faced up to 15 years in prison if convicted. After deliberations, the jury cleared Penny of criminally negligent homicide on Monday.
The case drew widespread attention, with critics accusing Bragg of pursuing charges against Penny to appease activists.
Penny pleaded not guilty and maintained he acted in defense of others.
At a press conference following the verdict, Hawk Newsome, leader of New York’s BLM chapter, condemned the decision, claiming, “The KKK got another victory.”
