Following the not-guilty verdict in the Daniel Penny case, Manhattan District Attorney candidate Maud Maron expressed strong disapproval of DA Alvin Bragg's decision to prosecute. She believes the trial itself highlights Bragg's poor judgment.

A jury acquitted Penny, a former Marine, in the death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man with a history of mental illness. The incident occurred on a subway train where Neely was reportedly behaving erratically and making threats. Penny restrained Neely using a chokehold, which ultimately resulted in Neely's death.

Maron shared her perspective on "The Story," stating that the verdict brought relief to many New Yorkers who found themselves in similar situations on public transit. She argued that Penny's actions were not criminal but rather a response to a perceived threat. She emphasized the prevalence of such encounters on the city's subway system.

Penny's legal team swiftly departed the courthouse following the reading of the verdict. Maron acknowledged the tragedy of Neely's death, emphasizing that no one, including Penny, intended for this outcome. She pointed to the initial police response, which involved interviewing Penny without immediate charges, and eyewitness accounts that corroborated Penny's version of events, suggesting that he acted to protect others.

Maron placed the responsibility for change on Manhattan voters, urging them to remove Bragg from office in the upcoming election. She asserted that public safety requires new leadership in the district attorney's office.