In a stunning show of solidarity, the campaign to support Marine veteran Daniel Penny’s legal defense has reached an astounding milestone, crossing the $1 million mark on Saturday.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg made the controversial move of charging Penny, a 24-year-old former Marine, with manslaughter in relation to the fatal shooting of Jordan Neely, 30, on Friday. Witnesses claim that Penny, acting in defense of himself and fellow passengers, used a chokehold that resulted in Neely’s tragic demise. To aid in covering his legal expenses, Penny’s legal team initiated a crowdfunding campaign on GiveSendGo, which has garnered an overwhelming response, exceeding $1 million in donations as of Saturday afternoon.
The crowdfunding page sheds light on the circumstances, presenting Daniel Penny as a decorated Marine veteran and college student who now finds himself under investigation for criminal charges arising from his efforts to protect commuters on a New York City subway train from an assailant who ultimately lost his life. The funds raised are intended to cover Penny’s legal fees associated with any potential criminal charges, future civil lawsuits, and other defense-related expenses.
The majority of donations flooding in come from individuals who choose to remain anonymous, each contributing a modest sum. The crowdfunding platform has been inundated with comments from supporters who commend Penny’s actions on the subway, expressing astonishment and disbelief that he is now facing a felony charge.
Johnny V, a 76-year-old Vietnam War veteran and retired NYPD sergeant, voiced his incredulity, stating, “I can’t fathom the state our country has reached.”
Another donor, Alfredo Rodriguez, emphasized the significance of standing up for others in the face of adversity, asserting, “One who defends against a belligerent bully deserves accolades, not punishment. We are in dire need of more individuals like Daniel Penny.”
Even Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took notice, referring to Penny as a “good Samaritan” and utilizing his platform to encourage his followers to contribute to the fundraiser in a late-night tweet on Friday.
DeSantis tweeted, “It is imperative that we counter the influence of Soros-funded district attorneys, halt the Left’s agenda in favor of criminals, and reclaim the streets for law-abiding citizens.”
He further added, “We must support law-abiding citizens in reclaiming their communities from district attorneys who receive backing from George Soros. We stand in solidarity with Daniel Penny and other honorable Samaritans. The entire United States is standing behind him.”
Passengers on the subway attested to Penny’s intervention, stating that he subdued Neely after the latter had posed a threat to their safety. Witnesses recall Penny expressing his willingness to face potential imprisonment if it meant protecting others. While the New York City medical examiner classified Neely’s death as a homicide resulting from the chokehold applied by the Marine veteran, it will be up to the legal proceedings to determine Penny’s intent and culpability.
Neely, who struggled with mental health issues, had a lengthy record of over 40 prior arrests, including serious offenses. Two years ago, he assaulted a 67-year-old woman, inflicting injuries by striking her in the face and causing her to fall. Another incident involved Neely’s alleged attempt to kidnap a 7-year-old girl, as reported by The New York Daily News.