Over $1M donated to defense fund for Marine vet charged in Jordan Neely’s death.

Marine Veteran’s Legal Defense Fundraiser Skyrockets to Over $1 Million

A legal defense fundraiser for Marine veteran Daniel Penny has reached over $1 million in donations as of Saturday afternoon. Penny, 24, was charged with manslaughter in the death of 30-year-old Jordan Neely after putting him in a chokehold on a New York City subway. However, witnesses say Neely was threatening passengers, and Penny was protecting them.

The Fundraiser

Penny’s attorneys started a GiveSendGo fundraiser to help him with his legal defense. The fundraiser states that the funds will be used to pay for Penny’s legal fees and any future civil lawsuits that may arise, as well as expenses related to his defense.

• Over 25,000 donations have been made
• Many donations come from anonymous donors giving small amounts
• Comments praising Penny’s actions and expressing disbelief that he was charged with a crime flooded the fundraising platform

One comment from Johnny V read, “I am a 76 year old male a wounded combat veteran of the Vietnam War also a retired sgt from the NYPD I just can’t believe how 😳 this country has become.” Another donor, Alfredo Rodriguez, said, “When somebody steps up in defense against a terrifying, ranting bully, that somebody should be applauded and not persecuted. We need more Daniel Perrys in this world!”

The fundraiser also benefited from a tweet by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who referred to Penny as a “Good Samaritan” and directed people to the campaign.

The Incident

Neely had over 40 prior arrests, including for violent crimes, and struggled with mental health issues. Two years ago, he was arrested for punching a 67-year-old female in the face and knocking her to the ground as she exited a subway station. Neely was also arrested for attempting to kidnap a 7-year-old girl he was seen dragging down a street, according to the New York Daily News.

While the New York City medical examiner ruled the incident a homicide, criminal proceedings must determine Penny’s intent or culpability.

As Governor DeSantis said in his tweet, “We must defeat the Soros-Funded DAs, stop the Left’s pro-criminal agenda, and take back the streets for law-abiding citizens. We stand with Good Samaritans like Daniel Penny. Let’s show this Marine… America’s got his back.”