An online fundraiser for Daniel Penny has raised over $2 million just days after the 24-year-old former Marine was charged with second-degree manslaughter in the killing of a 30-year-old Jordan Neley,
RELATED: Daniel Penny has reportedly been released on bail after failing to file a lawsuit over Jordan Neely’s death
Penny’s attorney says the fundraiser incident “touched a nerve with New Yorkers across the country.”
Penny’s attorney, Steven M. Raiser, wrote in an email to the New York Post that the massive support only shows that the incident “touched a nerve” with New Yorkers and “resonated nationwide.”
“The overwhelming support for Danny can always be measured by the amount raised, but what’s even more telling is that tens of thousands of people from around the world took the time to donate,” Raiser wrote.
Raiser continued, “This level of support shows that the situation forced upon him in that subway car earlier this month and his subsequent arrest has struck a chord in the psyche of New Yorkers and has resonated nationwide. “
“This massive statement of support sends a message that any attempt to undermine the right and duty to protect one another from an imminent threat is rejected.”
Penny’s lawyers said he had no intention of killing Neely, a 30-year-old former street performer, when he strangled him during a Manhattan subway ride earlier this month.
They went on to say he was just trying to defend himself.
Fundraiser supporters seem to agree with the attorney’s stance. One supporter even expressed his stance by leaving a comment along with his donation, the New York Post reported.
“This guy is a hero in my eyes. He should get a medal for what he didn’t do in prison… We have to take back our city. God bless this guy for trying to help.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis tweeted in support of Daniel Penny’s fundraiser, which raised nearly $2 million
Governor of Florida Ron DeSantis supported Penny’s fundraiser on Twitter, calling Penny a “good Samaritan”.
“We must defeat the Soros-funded DAs, stop the left’s pro-criminal agenda and reclaim the streets for law-abiding citizens,” Desantis tweeted on Friday. “We stand with good Samaritans like Daniel Penny. Let’s show that Marine… America’s behind him.”
We must defeat the Soros-funded DAs, stop the left’s pro-criminal agenda, and reclaim the streets for law-abiding citizens. We stand with good Samaritans like Daniel Penny. Let’s show this Marine… America has his back.
https://t.co/uQXZuT19Mo
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantisFL) May 13, 2023
The fundraiser, hosted by the law firm Raiser & Kenniff, PC, is reportedly raising funds to pay for Daniel’s legal fees. It states that the funds are intended to cover costs “incurred by any criminal charges,” as well as any future civil lawsuits and expenses related to his defense.
According to the fundraiser, any additional proceeds will be donated to a mental health program in New York City.
Penny was released on bail after turning herself in to police on second-degree involuntary manslaughter
Neely was struggling with mental health issues and was said to have been threatening Penny and his fellow campaigners at the time of his death. The former Marine was questioned after the incident but was released shortly thereafter.
In addition, Penny was finally charged with second-degree manslaughter on Friday.
The entire incident was caught on video.
He was reportedly released on $100,000 bail The Shadow Room last week.
Last week, the coroner ruled that Neely’s death was a homicide by neck compression.
Meanwhile, Raiser said that Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg must obtain a grand jury indictment before the case can proceed.
Daniel Penny’s next court date is scheduled for July.
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