FACT CHECK: Image Of Target Looting Predates Jordan Neely’s Death By Years

An image shared on X allegedly shows people looting a Target after Daniel Penny was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely. 

Are black people really outraged over Jordan Neely or are they just looking for an excuse to get free stuff tonight? pic.twitter.com/D315QXSGA1

— Anthony (@AnthonyG0528) December 9, 2024

Verdict: False

The image was actually taken in 2020 during protests of George Floyd’s death.

Fact Check: 

Penny spoke out about Neely’s death following his acquittal, saying that he kept him in a chokehold for other’s safety, according to CNN. The case was dismissed after the jury could not reach a verdict, and he and his legal team celebrated afterwards, the outlet reported.

The photo appears to show a group of men looting a Target, one with a hammer raised above a self-checkout machine, which already has its glass screen broken. The caption claims it was taken in response to the verdict.

“Are black people really outraged over Jordan Neely or are they just looking for an excuse to get free stuff tonight?” the post reads.

This image is miscaptioned, however. The photo was originally posted to Getty Images in May 2020. Its caption reads, “A looter tried to break in the cash register. Looters entered the Target store on Lake Street and made out with merchandise on the second day of protest in the death of George Floyd.” (RELATED: Image Of Customers Lined Up Outside Target For Black Friday Is Not Recent)

The image can also be found in a news report at the time from Fox Business.