45 advocacy organizations denounce Mayor Adams for policies and rhetoric that led to killing of Jordan Neely

New York, NY -  Today, Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) released a sign-on letter demanding comprehensive accountability for the killing of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old Black man and former Michael Jackson impersonator, who was choked to death on a crowded NYC subway on May 1 by another passenger, Daniel Penny, a white ex-Marine. The letter, which was delivered to the mayor this afternoon, is an effort to put an end to the perpetual violence against communities in need and a demand that Mayor Adams stop stoking the heightened fear of NYC subway systems through words and policies that have dehumanized New Yorkers who are poor, Black, unhoused, and suffer from mental health complexities. This sign-on letter comes on the heels of this morning’s indictment of Penny.

The letter says:                                                               

It is unconscionable to respond to Mr. Neely’s killing by placing blame on his mental health complexities and failing to address the interpersonal and institutional anti-Black violence that created the conditions for his killing and continue to fail to bring him justice in death. As a Black person and as part of the LGBTQ+ community, Mr. Neely was more vulnerable to experiencing homelessness, hunger, and distress. As mayor, you must acknowledge that your cuts to crucial services, which directly aid these marginalized communities, will only continue to perpetuate similar situations and more harm. 

The 45 organizations on the letter have united to urge Mayor Adams to listen to the collective voice of grieving and outraged New Yorkers, and take substantive action in three areas: 

• Homeless New Yorkers and New Yorkers experiencing mental health complexities should be met with care, not enforcement.
• Ensure the city’s budget supports meaningful action on homelessness, mental health care and other essential services that keep New Yorkers safe.
• End the brutalization and criminalization of protesters exercising their rights.

Read the full letter and details here.

It is time to take a stand and redirect resources away from a bloated and unaccountable police force and towards initiatives that will truly make a positive impact on the lives of New Yorkers. 

About Communities United for Police Reform

Communities United for Police Reform (CPR) is an unprecedented campaign to end discriminatory policing practices in New York, and to build a lasting movement that promotes public safety and reduces reliance on policing. CPR runs coalitions of over 200 local, statewide and national organizations, bringing together a movement of community members, lawyers, researchers and activists to work for change. The partners in this campaign come from all 5 boroughs, from all walks of life and represent many of those most unfairly targeted by the NYPD.