(TheConservativeTimes.org) – On May 12, less than 24 hours after the Manhattan DA’s office stated it would pursue manslaughter charges against former marine Daniel Penny concerning the death of 30-year-old Jordan Neely, Penny surrendered to authorities. Since then, over $2 million has been donated to the legal defense fund for the veteran.
According to Penny’s attorney, Steven M. Raiser, the donations illustrate that the issue has “struck a chord” with people worldwide. He said this unprecedented outpouring of solidarity sends a clear message that any effort to undermine people’s inherent right and responsibility to protect one another from an immediate threat will be met with resistance.
Earlier last month, Penny restrained Neely on the subway after he allegedly became hostile with other riders. According to a 66-year-old eyewitness, Neely, who had been arrested more than 40 times, threatened to “kill a motherf—er,” adding that the homeless guy claimed he would do it despite the possibility of being shot.
According to the witness, Penny intervened to restrain Neely only after things “got out of hand.”
Penny choked Neely and held him down until the train pulled into the next station. The medical examiner deemed Neely’s death a homicide after emergency personnel could not save him. Democratic California Representative Maxine Waters supported this view when she wrote an opinion piece in the Huffington Post, calling Penny a heartless “vigilante.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) made the straightforward claim that Penny “murdered” Neely.
Penny has been praised as brave by others. Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced his support for the legal defense fundraising organized by Penny’s attorneys.
Tweeting that he gave $20,000 to the cause, podcaster Tim Pool stated that Penny is a good samaritan and that we are lucky to have brave souls like him willing to do the right thing. Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican presidential candidate, also gave $10,000.
Neely’s death has prompted concern over many topics, including the city’s treatment of people with mental illness. According to the GiveSendGo page, all funds raised that exceed those needed to cover Mr. Penny’s legal defense will be donated to a mental health advocacy program in New York City.
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