Daniel Penny’s legal defense fundraiser closes in on $1 MILLION

Penny was released on $100,000 bond after Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg filed charges, just as additional video emerged from eye-witnesses showing that Penny, who along with other men on the subway train worked to subdue Neely, was tried to help him after the encounter, and that passengers had thanked him. Another witness came forward and said that Neely had been threatening to kill other passengers before Penny sought to contain him.

"Daniel Penny is, a twenty-four-year-old college student and decorated Marine veteran," reads the GiveSendGo ask for aid, "facing a criminal investigation stemming from him protecting individuals on a NYC subway train from an assailant who later died. Funds are being raised to pay 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."

"Any proceeds collected which exceed those necessary to cover Mr. Penny’s legal defense will be donated to a mental health advocacy program in New York City," according to his GiveSendGo.

Video footage emerged of the May 1 incident that showed Neely, who later died, being held in a submission hold by 24-year-old Penny. According to witnesses, Neely was behaving in a hostile and erratic manner on the subway and acting aggressively towards other subway passengers before being subdued. Video from the incident showed Penny placing Neely in the recovery position after Neely stopped struggling.

Neely, who had been arrested more than 44 times including on charges of public lewdness and assaulting a senior citizen, had a warrant out for his arrest at the time of the fatal incident.

Charges were announced Thursday and Penny turned himself in and was later released on Friday.

The move to charge Penny was made by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and went forward without being presented to a grand jury.

More harrowing encounters later emerged from New York City subway riders detailing their encounters with Neely. One user on Reddit said, "This man jumped on me, grabbed my shoulders, and pushed me towards the tracks Sunday night at this very station."