It's unsurprising that politicians and ideologues have turned Jordan Neely's death to an attack on the "white supremacist" bogeyman by framing his death as a "lynching," which implies that Daniel Penny, the marine, was not only racially motivated to kill him, but that his actions were premeditated. None of this is true. These individuals are using this singular event as a flashpoint to rally more people to their cause. Jordan Neely said he was ready and willing to go to jail, and not just jail, but with a life sentence. He was psychotic. He had 44 arrests. He had multiple assaults. There a was a warrant out for his arrest. While his history doesn't "justify" his death, it's necessary to provide context for his actions. This wasn't some "Michael Jackson impersonator" who was attacked for no reason. He wasn't just a "moonwalk away from the White House." He was a criminal and he needed to be checked. Jordan Neely posed a clear and present danger to other riders on the subway, prompting multiple passengers to call the police to report the threat he posed to the public. Penny, along with two others, took self-defensive action to protect the welfare of other passengers. He should be praised, not vilified. Penny would never have had to take action if the police in New York City were allowed to do their jobs, if prosecutors prosecuted criminals. They have one job, and it's in their job title. We're going to see an increase in incidents as police are handcuffed and aren't allowed to protect and serve the public. We're also going to see an increase in incidents where mentally ill individuals like Neely will injure, and possibly kill people because more people won't want to step up due to the simple fact that the court of public opinion has judged Daniel Petty guilty of murder. With no expectation of de-escalation and a doubling down of the narrative that Petty was part of a multiracial lynch mob against a homeless Michael Jackson impersonator, New York City is in for a long summer. Already, on Saturday, protesters are blocking the subway and getting into altercations with police. It's another Summer of Love. //Videos via Rebecca Brennan.//