In his final days as a congressman, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., stirred up a heated debate online. The New York representative, known for his outspoken views, took to social media to voice his frustration over the recent acquittal of Daniel Penny in the subway death of Jordan Neely.
For some quick context: Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man with schizophrenia, tragically lost his life last year. On May 1, 2023, during a tense moment on the subway, Neely reportedly shouted death threats, alarming passengers. Penny, a former Marine, restrained Neely in a chokehold, assisted by other passengers. Sadly, Neely didn’t survive. Penny, however, was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide—a verdict that divided public opinion.
In response, Bowman unleashed a passionate thread on X (formerly Twitter), starting with the provocative opening, “Dear White People.”
Bowman wrote, “I don’t know why I feel the need to keep talking to you. I don’t know why part of me still has hope for you and for us. Some of you are too far gone. But maybe enough of you aren’t and will join us in fighting to end white supremacy.”
He continued by listing high-profile incidents involving Black victims of violence, such as Rodney King, Eric Garner, and George Floyd. Bowman expressed deep frustration with what he sees as a lack of accountability in the justice system, stating, “Jordan Neely was not a threat. He was subdued. Still not a threat. Daniel Penny choked him for six minutes. And killed him. We all watched it on camera, and he was still acquitted.”
Bowman asked his audience to reflect on a sobering question: how often do white people witness someone of their race killed in cold blood on camera? “The answer is never. You never have,” he claimed.
Bowman’s post received mixed reactions. While some sympathized with his sentiments, others were quick to criticize. Many found his message divisive, with some calling it outright racist.
One social media user remarked, “I can’t believe an elected official would address an entire racial group this way.” Others, like novelist Kat Rosenfield, noted a shift in public sentiment, stating, “I’m grateful we’re moving past the moment when we had to pretend this wasn’t a completely insane thing to say.”
Even prominent voices like Elon Musk chimed in, replying to a comment urging an end to racialized discourse with, “Yes, please. This has gone on for too long.”
Bowman ended his thread on a hopeful yet defiant note. “I marvel at the beauty and greatness of my people in spite of white supremacy. RIP Jordan Neely. The justice system failed you. We must still fight.”
It’s worth noting that Bowman recently lost his bid for re-election, becoming the first member of the progressive “Squad” to be defeated in a primary. His departure from Congress may mark the end of his time in office, but his statements suggest he’ll remain vocal on social justice issues.
While Bowman’s message ignited strong reactions, it underscores the deep divisions and emotional weight carried by conversations about race and justice in America. Regardless of where you stand, it’s a reminder of the power—and the risks—of addressing such issues head-on
