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Penny's defense contended that amid Neely's alarming behavior, including threats to other passengers, Penny's intervention was a necessary action for the safety of those on the train. Amid testimonies from over thirty witnesses and expert opinions, the court examined if Penny's conduct was justified. Despite the ruling of the city medical examiner that Neely died due to "compression of neck" associated with a chokehold, the defense pointed to factors such as Neely's reported schizophrenia and drug use as contributing to his death.

In the aftermath of the verdict, reactions were polarized. Many took to social media and street protests, echoing sentiments of systemic racism and injustice, while others celebrated Penny as a reluctant hero who intervened at a moment of crisis.