LISTEN HERE:
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has shown support for New York City Marine veteran Daniel Penny, who is currently facing criminal charges related to the death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man. According to witnesses and prosecutors, Neely had been causing disturbances and frightening individuals on the subway. Penny, a 24-year-old man, was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court last Friday on charges of second-degree manslaughter due to his involvement in placing Neely into a chokehold that ultimately resulted in his death. The defense team for Penny argues that his actions were in self-defense and in the interest of protecting other passengers from harm.
Governor DeSantis voiced his support for Penny on Friday, sharing a fundraiser aimed at helping with Penny’s legal fees. DeSantis praised Penny as a ‘Good Samaritan,’ pointing out that he was trying to protect himself and others. He also took the opportunity to criticize Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg as being ‘pro-criminal’ and ‘Soros-funded.’ In a tweet, DeSantis said, ‘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.’
The link within DeSantis’ tweet led to a GiveSendGo page that had been created by Raiser & Kenniff, P.C., the law firm representing Penny in his case. The purpose of the fundraiser, as explained on the GiveSendGo description, is to ‘raise funds to pay for Mr. Penny’s legal fees incurred from any criminal charges filed and any future civil lawsuits that may arise, as well as expenses related to his defense.’ The page also reassured potential donors that all contributions would be appreciated, and any funds collected beyond what is needed for Penny’s legal defense will be donated to a mental health advocacy program in New York City.
At the time of writing, the GiveSendGo campaign had managed to raise $853,213 for Penny’s cause, on the back of more than 18,000 individual donations. The events leading up to these criminal charges began on May 1, when 24-year-old Marine veteran and college student Daniel Penny used a fatal chokehold on 30-year-old Jordan Neely. The police report detailed the circumstances as an ‘altercation on a northbound train,’ with Neely allegedly threatening fellow subway passengers as part of a mental episode.
Witnesses and law enforcement personnel both claimed that Neely had been yelling and pacing the train car prior to Penny’s intervention. It was at this point that Penny intervened, tackling Neely to the ground and executing the deadly chokehold that would eventually claim Neely’s life. A medical examiner from the city would later determine that Neely’s death was caused by the compression force applied to his neck.
In the aftermath of the incident, Penny’s attorneys brought up Neely’s documented history of erratic and violent behavior, which they attributed to an ongoing struggle with untreated mental illness. Penny’s attorney, Steve Raiser, said: ‘When Mr. Penny, a decorated Marine veteran, stepped in to protect himself and his fellow New Yorkers, his well-being was not assured. He risked his own life and safety, for the good of his fellow passengers. The unfortunate result was the unintended and unforeseen death of Mr. Neely.
Raiser went on to express confidence in Penny’s ultimate exoneration, stating: ‘We are confident that once all the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are brought to bear, Mr. Penny will be fully absolved of any wrongdoing.’ Neely’s family, upon hearing the statement from Penny’s legal team, criticized it as offering neither an apology nor an expression of regret. They viewed the statement as more of a ‘character assassination’ of Neely, and further justification for why Penny felt he had the right to take Neely’s life.
The attorneys for Neely’s family, Donte Mills and Lennon Edwards, took issue with how the statement from Penny’s legal team both emphasized Penny’s perceived goodness and painted Neely in a negative light. ‘In the first paragraph he talks about how ‘good’ he is and the next paragraph he talks about how ‘bad’ Jordan was in an effort to convince us Jordan’s life was ‘worthless,’’ they stated. They added that Penny had no knowledge of Neely’s history when he fatally choked him, and that ‘he squeezed and kept squeezing.’
Mills and Edwards further critiqued the final paragraph of the statement, in which they believed Penny indirectly suggested the public should show indifference towards people like Neely. They stated, ‘It is clear he is the one who acted with indifference, both at the time he killed Jordan and now in his first public message.’ They went on to argue that not only did Penny never attempt to help Neely, but his actions – both on the train and in his public address – are indicative of why he should be in prison.
According to legal authorities, Penny has been fully cooperative with both the police and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office throughout the investigation. Last Friday, a judge ordered Penny’s release on a $100,000 bond, which was approved by the prosecutors and secured by bondsman Ira Judelson. Depending on the outcome of his trial, Penny may face a prison sentence ranging from five to 15 years.
Governor DeSantis’ support for Penny and the fundraiser for his defense reflect the conservative perspective on this matter. Many conservatives argue that Penny’s actions were justified in the interest of public safety and self-defense, given Neely’s threatening behavior. They point to the fact that he was a Marine veteran, a viewpoint that DeSantis has also made sure to highlight in his supportive tweet.
On the other hand, some may argue that the death of Neely was a tragic result of an untreated mental illness and not a product of malicious intent. This point of view would suggest that more attention and resources should be directed towards mental health care and support, in the hopes that a similar tragedy might be prevented in the future.
Regardless of one’s stance on the matter, it is evident that this case has become an important discussion point in the broader conversation surrounding criminal justice, mental health, and the role of law enforcement. The fact remains that a life was lost, and now, citizens and leaders alike are grappling with the appropriate response to such a tragic event.
As Penny’s case moves forward, it will undoubtedly continue to garner national attention, thanks in part to the support of prominent figures like Governor DeSantis. The ongoing debate surrounding this case is reflective of the greater discussions occurring throughout America, as opposing viewpoints passionately advocate for their vision of a safe and just society.
The outcome of Daniel Penny’s trial, which is set to resume in July, will have lasting repercussions not only for those directly involved but also for the wider discourse on the roles of personal responsibility, mental health care, and the criminal justice system. Regardless of the result, it is clear that the case – and the powerful emotions it has elicited – have captured the nation’s attention, and will remain in the public consciousness for some time to come.