An online fundraiser for Daniel Penny, who placed fellow subway rider Jordan Neely in a fatal strangulation in a case that has come to symbolize fears about crime, racism and vigilantism, has raised more than $1 million. for your legal defense.
The fundraiser for Daniel Penny, a white former Marine charged Friday with second-degree manslaughter in the death of Neely, who is black, is on GiveSendGo. The Christian fundraising website has also organized campaigns for right-wing vigilante Kyle Rittenhouse and far-right groups, including the January 6 insurgents.
“Funds are being raised to pay for Mr. Penny’s legal fees incurred for any criminal charges filed and any future civil lawsuits that may arise, as well as expenses related to his defense. All contributions are greatly appreciated,” the fundraising page read.
The campaign, which is listed as being created by attorneys for Penny, Raiser & Kenniff, PC, claims that any proceeds in excess of the costs of their legal expenses will be donated to a “mental health advocacy program in New York City.” . The firm’s co-founder, Steven M Raiser, confirmed that his firm initiated the campaign.
Neely’s murder nearly two weeks ago sparked widespread anger in New York City and the US, with her death underscoring ongoing racial and economic inequality, and the backlog of county mental health and social services. . Additionally, Neely’s death has renewed attention to crime, despite New York City’s low crime rates, and vigilantism.
Penny has drawn support from a wide swath of the American right, including high-ranking Republicans like right-wing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who called Penny a “good Samaritan” for his actions.
The fatal encounter unfolded when Neely, who has battled homelessness and mental illness, boarded a Manhattan subway car yelling that he was tired, hungry and ready to die. Video recorded by an independent journalist captured the cyclists holding Neely to the ground.
Penny held Neely in a chokehold long after Neely stopped moving and at least one biker implored her to let go. Police officers found Neely unconscious and pronounced him dead at the hospital. The city medical examiner deemed Neely’s death a homicide.
Although police officers detained Penny and questioned him after the incident, they released him, prompting public outcry and intense scrutiny over that decision. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Thursday that Penny would be arraigned on a second-degree manslaughter charge and turned herself in to police on Friday. He appeared in court shortly thereafter and was released on $100,000 bail.