Outgoing Rep. Jamaal Bowman Criticized for Post-Acquittal Remarks

Outgoing Democratic Representative Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) faced widespread criticism after posting a divisive Twitter rant targeting “white people” following Daniel Penny’s acquittal. The congressman, known for his controversial antics—including pulling a fire alarm to delay a congressional vote—used the opportunity to decry systemic racism and white supremacy in a thread many labeled inflammatory and divisive.

The uproar follows the acquittal of Daniel Penny, a former Marine charged with criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely. The case stemmed from a May 1, 2023, incident on an F train in New York City, where Neely, reportedly acting erratically and threatening passengers, was subdued by Penny in a chokehold.

The incident, captured on video, sparked a nationwide debate about public safety, mental health, and race. Neely, a homeless man with a history of 42 arrests—including an active warrant for assault—died during the altercation. Penny argued he acted in defense of himself and other passengers. After five days of deliberation, the jury found Penny not guilty.

The trial’s outcome drew mixed reactions, with some lauding Penny as a hero and others condemning the verdict as emblematic of systemic injustice. Among the latter was Rep. Jamaal Bowman, who took to social media to express his outrage.

In a lengthy thread, Bowman began with a direct address:

“Dear White People, 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.”

Bowman claimed that incidents like Penny’s acquittal are evidence of systemic racism and privilege, continuing:

“I’ve seen countless incidents of brutal police violence and killings in my lifetime. Jordan Neely is the latest. He was sick. He was not a threat. He was subdued. Still not a threat. Daniel Penny choked him for 6 minutes. And killed him. We all watched it on camera, and he was still acquitted.”

Bowman compared Neely’s death to past high-profile cases involving Rodney King and George Floyd, asserting these incidents exemplify a broader pattern of racial injustice. He further argued that white Americans rarely, if ever, experience similar trauma, stating:

“For comparison, I ask white people, how many times have you seen a white man killed in cold blood on camera on your newsfeed? The answer is never. You never have. And whenever you feel discomfort from your whiteness, Black people are harmed or killed. And there is never accountability or justice.”

Bowman’s remarks quickly sparked backlash across social media platforms. Critics accused him of stoking racial division and engaging in counterproductive rhetoric. Many users referenced his past controversies, particularly the infamous fire alarm incident in the Cannon House Office Building, which was widely condemned as a stunt to disrupt congressional proceedings.

One user responded:
“Dear Jamaal Bowman, before lecturing anyone, maybe you should address your own actions, like pulling a fire alarm to delay a vote. Hypocrisy doesn’t help your cause.”

Another wrote:
“Jamaal Bowman continues to embarrass himself and his party. Race-baiting does nothing to solve the real issues of mental health and public safety.”

Bowman’s comments highlight the contentious nature of race-related discourse in America. Supporters argue that his statements reflect the lived experiences of many Black Americans and underscore the systemic inequities that persist. Critics, however, contend that Bowman’s framing ignores the complexities of the Penny case and unfairly generalizes about racial privilege.

And here I thought you would be doing some reflection after losing your seat…. I see nothing changed. You’re still the broken brained race baiting loser.

— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 10, 2024

As a white person, you are welcome to stop talking to us. Stick to pulling fire alarms!

— JT Lewis (@thejtlewis) December 10, 2024

Jordan Neely was a drugged-out lunatic who threatened to k*ll people unless he was given soda.

Yet, here you are acting like he was an innocent little child.

Clown.

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 10, 2024

Typical Jamaal Bowman take.

Always pulling down anything white. pic.twitter.com/oKOPBLKRce

— Brick Suit (@Brick_Suit) December 10, 2024

You are a race baiting POS and deserve the unemployment line.

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) December 10, 2024

I can’t believe I once volunteered for your campaign. What unbelievable racism, stupidity, and divisiveness. I am so glad we helped elect George Latimer and got rid of you.

— Shabbos Kestenbaum (@ShabbosK) December 10, 2024

The Penny trial itself became a lightning rod for debates on urban crime, mental health services, and public safety. Advocates for Penny point out that his actions were an immediate response to a perceived threat, while critics argue that Neely’s death underscores society’s failure to address homelessness and mental illness.

As Bowman prepares to leave office, his polarizing rhetoric and controversial actions leave a complicated legacy. While he remains a vocal advocate for racial and social justice, his methods have often alienated moderates and drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle.

Bowman’s Twitter rant following Penny’s acquittal may be emblematic of his approach—bold, unfiltered, and unapologetic. However, whether this strategy fosters meaningful dialogue or deepens divisions remains a point of contention.

The reactions to Bowman’s remarks reveal a deep divide in how Americans perceive issues of race, justice, and accountability. As public figures like Bowman continue to push these discussions into the spotlight, the challenge lies in finding ways to address systemic issues without exacerbating tensions. Whether Bowman’s approach succeeds in sparking meaningful change or merely fuels further polarization is a question that remains unresolved.