Archive for the ‘Al Sharpton’ Category

Rev. Al Sharpton says Daniel Penny’s arrest is "just step one" in getting justice for Jordan Neely – CBS News

NEW YORK -- Rev. Al Sharpton said the manslaughter charge against Daniel Penny is "just step one" in getting justice for Jordan Neely.

Sharpton again called for other subway riders seen on video restraining Neely while Penny held him in a chokehold to be held accountable.

Penny was arrested, arraigned and released on bond Friday. The 24-year-old Marine veteran was charged with second degree manslaughter in Neely's death on the subway.

"He's dealing with the situation with the sort of integrity and honor that is characteristic of who he is," said Thomas Kenniff, Penny's attorney.

Advocates said this is just the beginning of the long road toward justice. At a news conference Saturday morning, Sharpton is expected to call for other passengers who were on the subway to face consequences too.

On Friday, attorneys for Neely's family called for more serious charges. Neely's father and aunt were too distraught to speak.

"The consequences of manslaughter two is five to 15 years. Ask yourself, is that enough? Is that enough for someone who choked somebody out on the train and took their life?" said Lennon Edwards, an attorney for Neely's family.

Attorneys described how Neely's mental health declined after his mother was choked to death when he was a child. Despite intermittent treatment, a lack of resources left him homeless, they said.

"For everybody saying 'I've been on the train and I've been afraid before and I can't tell you what I would've done in that situation,' I'm gonna tell you. Ask how you can help, please," said Donte Mills, an attorney for Neely's family.

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At Penny's arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Joshua Steinglass alleged, "Several witnesses observed Mr. Neely making threats and scaring passengers, the defendant approached Mr. Neely from behind and placed him in a chokehold, taking him down to the ground."

They said Penny continued for several minutes, including after Neely stopped moving.

The defense told the judge Penny was cooperating with police, earned multiple medals in the Marine Corps before being honorably discharged and is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in architecture at a college in New York City.

Penny did not have to enter a plea.

"Because the grand jury hasn't yet indicted him and the people, the prosecutor, plan to bring this before a grand jury," said legal expert Andrew Lieb.

Penny was questioned by police and released on the day of Neely's death. The Civilian Complaint Review Board is investigating NYPD's decision not to arrest him.

Sharpton said he has the same questions.

Christina Fan joined CBS2 News as a general assignment reporter in spring of 2019.

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Rev. Al Sharpton says Daniel Penny's arrest is "just step one" in getting justice for Jordan Neely - CBS News

Jordan Neely to be eulogized by Rev. Al Sharpton – Amsterdam News

Rev. Dr. Johnnie Melvin Green, Jr., Senior Pastor of Mount Neboh Baptist Church (1883 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard) in Harlem, through the family of Jordan Neely, has requested Rev. Al Sharpton deliver his eulogy when he is laid to rest on Friday, May 19th.

A viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service starting at 11 a.m.

Green is the longtime pastor for Neelys family and presided over his mothers funeral in 2007. The specifics of Neelys funeral, including the time of his wake and service, are still in formation and will be released as soon as possible.

RELATED: Jordan Neelys family responds to killer Daniel Pennys admission of guilt

I have asked Rev. Sharpton to deliver the eulogy at Jordans funeral, at the request and direction of the Neely family. As we face sorrow, pain, and uncertainty in the wake of Jordans senseless killing, it is crucial that we come together in the spirit of healing, action, and perseverance. I can think of no one better, no one more equipped to meet this moment with that grace and guidance than Rev. Sharpton.

Details on the arrangements are forthcoming and will be announced.

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Jordan Neely to be eulogized by Rev. Al Sharpton - Amsterdam News

Rev. Sharpton eulogizes Jordan Neely, man killed on NY subway – 25 News KXXV and KRHD

Rev. Al Sharpton is delivering a eulogy Friday for Jordan Neely, the 30-year-old homeless man who was strangled to death by a passenger on a New York subway.

Neely died on May 1after being held in a stranglehold.

Last week, Daniel Penny was arrested and charged in connection to Neelys death.Pennys lawyers have reportedlysaid he acted out of self-defense.

Sharptons National Action Network said he is delivering the eulogy at the request of his family.

Neelys funeral is being held at Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem.

Neelys family said he was experiencing a mental health episode while on the train. Sharpton and New York Mayor Eric Adams have condemned the killing.

Killing at the hands of a fellow passenger and the responses to this violence that took his life have been not only tragic but difficult to absorb, Adams said. Racism that continues to permeate throughout our society allows for a level of dehumanization that denies Black people from being recognized as victims when subjected to acts of violence. The perceptions of Black people have long been interpreted through a distorted, racialized lens that aims to justify violence against us. It is another example of how far we remain from an equitable and just society.

SEE MORE: Marine veteran who fatally choked NYC subway rider surrenders

Juan Alberto Vazquez told WNBCthat he and others on the train were scared, claiming that Neely yelled and threatened passengers. He said the chokehold lasted 15 minutes as Neely allegedly continued to kick and struggle with Penny and two other passengers.

Neelys death prompted protests in New York City and calls for action to help the citys homeless population.

There are more Jordans out there, people who are loved, people in need of compassion, treatment, and protection people like Jordan. Jordan Neely's life mattered. He was suffering from severe mental illness, but that was not the cause of his death. His death is a tragedy that never should have happened, Adams said.

Trending stories at Scrippsnews.com

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Rev. Sharpton eulogizes Jordan Neely, man killed on NY subway - 25 News KXXV and KRHD

Sharpton threatens to protest McDonald’s over racial discrimination, putting fast food chain ‘on notice’ – Fox Business

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The National Action Network, a non-profit civil rights activism group headed by Rev. Al Sharpton, has warned it will "mobilize" against McDonald's unless the fast food company addresses accusations of racial discrimination.

Sharpton said he sent a letter to McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski on Thursday urging the company to acknowledge complaints of racism in its employment, advertising and franchising practices, though National Action Network did not publish a copy of the letter.

SHARPTON'S NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK SALARY NEARLY DOUBLES, SPENDING BIG ON PRIVATE JET FLIGHTS: REPORT

The Reverend Al Sharpton speaks at the National Action Network's annual conference. ((Photo by Michael Nigro/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) / Getty Images)

"We find it appalling and inexcusable that McDonalds Corporation has not satisfied its differences with the Black community. There are lawsuits brought by Black franchises. Another brought by a Black former executive over racial discrimination from the highest levels," saidSharpton.

He added, "And lets not forget the $10 billion lawsuit brought by Byron Allen over the fact that Black-owned media did not get its fair share of McDonalds supersized advertising budgets."

REV. AL SHARPTON DEMANDS CNN EXPLANATION ON FIRING DON LEMON: 'WE CANNOT AFFORD TO SILENCE HIS VOICE'

A sign stands outside of a McDonald's restaurant in San Francisco, California. ((Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) / Getty Images)

NAN specifically mentioned the removal of John Rogers from the McDonald's Corporation Board of Directors as an "issue" that must be addressed.

"We are also outraged at the removal of John Rogers, a well-respected business leader for the Black community, from the Board of Directors. We unequivocally demand they immediately acknowledge and address these issues, or we will begin a national campaign around McDonalds. You cannot sell Black folks Big Macs and give us little justice."

Al Sharpton speaks onstage during The National Action Network 2023 Convention in New York City. ((Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage) / Getty Images)

Rogers retired from the board of directors in March 2023 after 20 years with the company. He retired alongside fellow board member Robert Eckert, who joined at the board at the same time as Rogers in May 2003.

"These retirements are consistent with the Board's commitment to ongoing refreshment that maintains an appropriate balance of continuity and institutional knowledge with fresh perspectives among Directors," McDonald's explained last month in a press release announcing Rogers and Eckert's retirement.

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FOX Business reached out to both the McDonald's Corporation and National Action Network for comment.

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Sharpton threatens to protest McDonald's over racial discrimination, putting fast food chain 'on notice' - Fox Business

Rev. Al Sharpton demands CNN explanation on firing Don Lemon: ‘We cannot afford to silence his voice’ – Fox News

Rev. Al Sharpton released a statement on Wednesday that demanded an explanation from CNN regarding the decision to fire longtime host Don Lemon.

Lemon himself revealed he was fired in a lengthy statement from his Twitter account on Monday, saying that he was "stunned" by the decision and suspected "larger issues at play" regarding it.

"After 17 years at CNN I would have thought that someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly. At no time was I ever given any indication that I would not be able to continue to do the work I have loved at the network," Lemon wrote. "It is clear that there are some larger issues at play."

Sharpton, along with National Urban League (NUL) founder and CEO Marc Morial, likewise questioned the "larger issues at play" in their own statement days later.

CNN fired Don Lemon on Monday, the former host revealed on Monday. (CNN)

CNN FIRES DON LEMON, LEAVING LONGTIME ANCHOR STUNNED

"We are completely stunned at the termination of Don Lemon. Throughout his career, Don has been a superb journalist who was very open to the civil rights community on issues others wouldnt touch. Dons voice has been invaluable to the conversation of how we become a more just nation. With the health of our democracy undergoing perhaps its greatest test, we cannot afford to silence his voice. We would like to know what he alludes to when he said there are greater things at play, which is why we urge for a full explanation as to why he was let go in such a fashion," the statement read.

The comment came from Sharptons organization National Action Network (NAN) where he currently serves as the president. The statement also noted that "Civil rights leaders note Lemon gave voice to civil rights community, told stories others wouldnt."

In a memo also released on Monday, CNN CEO Chris Licht confirmed that Lemon and the network parted ways, though it did not provide a direct explanation.

CNN CEO Chris Licht confirmed in a memo that Lemon and the network parted ways. (MEGA/GC Images)

Licht wrote, "Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years. We wish him luck and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors."

CNNS LACK OF DIVERSITY IN PRIMETIME CAUSING STRIFE WITHIN NETWORK, INSIDER SAYS: PEOPLE WILL BE UP IN ARMS

However, CNNs communications team pushed back against Lemons statement on Twitter, calling it "inaccurate."

"Don Lemon's statement about this morning's events is inaccurate. He was offered an opportunity to meet with management but instead released a statement on Twitter," the tweet read.

Lemon has been the subject of multiple controversies during his time on CNN. In February, a CNN insider told Fox News Digital that Lemon had had "no defenders" in CNN and that him being fired "would probably be welcomed by a lot of people."

Reports suggested that Don Lemon has had frequent issues with his co-star Kaitlan Collins. (Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CNN)

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In 2022, Lemon was previously moved from his solo primetime show to an ensemble morning program with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins. During this time, there were multiple visible and reported instances of him verbally tussling with Collins.

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Rev. Al Sharpton demands CNN explanation on firing Don Lemon: 'We cannot afford to silence his voice' - Fox News