Blog
Behind the Daniel Penny Campaign
Posted by Alex Shipley on Oct 8, 2025
In 2023, a subway confrontation in New York captured national attention, fueled passionate debate, and sparked a grueling legal battle. When Marine veteran Daniel Penny was charged in the death of Jordan Neely, he found himself in a position no one ever expects to be — needing a place to rally the help he needed.
That platform became GiveSendGo — and what followed was one of the most viral, scrutinized, and ultimately vindicated fundraising campaigns in recent memory.
On May 1, 2023, Jordan Neely — an unhoused man with a history of mental health struggles — boarded a Manhattan subway train. According to multiple eyewitnesses, Neely began acting erratically, issuing threats, and frightening passengers.
In that moment, Daniel Penny stepped in to restrain him. What happened next was recorded on video and quickly spread across the internet, igniting outrage, defense, and debate. What some saw as an act of courage, others condemned as reckless. Before any court proceedings began, the court of public opinion had already taken sides.
Soon after, Manhattan prosecutors charged Penny with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide — serious offenses that carried potentially life-altering consequences. With mounting legal fees and intense public scrutiny, Penny and his team knew they needed help. But choosing where to turn for that help would make all the difference.
When it came time to raise funds for his legal defense, Penny’s team turned to GiveSendGo—a trusted and secure platform where people can fundraise freely without fear of being deplatformed.
Unlike other crowdfunding sites, GiveSendGo doesn’t exclude individuals based on controversy or public opinion. We exist to ensure everyone has the opportunity to raise support without fear of being silenced.
“Too often, people are judged by the court of public opinion before they ever step into a courtroom,” said Jacob Wells, Co-founder of GiveSendGo. “Hosting Daniel Penny’s campaign wasn’t about taking sides — it was about standing for the right of every person to raise the funds needed for a fair trial. Quality legal representation shouldn’t be reserved for the wealthy. The ability to raise funds for one’s defense ensures verdicts like the one we heard today are based on facts, not financial barriers.” [Read Full GiveSendGo Press Release]
At its height, Daniel Penny’s campaign became the second-largest in GiveSendGo’s history.
Once live, Penny’s campaign took off almost instantly.
Donations poured in from across the country — from large donors and everyday Americans alike — all united by one belief: that everyone deserves due process and a fair defense.
Within weeks, the fund surpassed $2.8 million, drawing headlines nationwide. Supporters flooded the campaign page with prayers and words of encouragement like, “The world needs more patriots like you!” and “Thank you for your service to our nation. May you receive the expert and thorough legal defense to which you are entitled, and which you deserve.”
The trial stretched across months of tension and media attention. Jurors were initially asked to deliberate on the manslaughter charge, but after extended debate, they couldn’t reach a verdict. The judge later dismissed that charge, and the trial continued on the lesser count of criminally negligent homicide.
Finally, on December 9, 2024, Daniel Penny was acquitted. The court found him not guilty.
“This campaign is a prime example of why GiveSendGo exists,” said Heather Wilson, Co-founder of GiveSendGo. “While other platforms deny individuals the chance to raise funds for a quality legal defense based on their agendas, we believe people are innocent until proven guilty. Justice isn’t served when resources are limited to those who fit certain narratives.”
So why does this story matter — not just for Daniel Penny, but for all of us?
1. A Platform for Legal Defense — Without Fear
When the world seemed determined to pass judgment before hearing the facts, GiveSendGo stood as a platform where Penny could confidently fundraise — free from censorship or fear of having donations seized.
2. Bold Stories Inspire Bold Support
Penny’s case was polarizing. But thousands of people chose conviction over comfort, giving and sharing because they believed in fairness and due process.
3. A Test of Justice Under Pressure
His campaign became a living example of how the principles of justice can survive intense scrutiny. When the noise of public opinion grows loud, truth must still have a voice.
4. Reinforcing Hope and Freedom
At its core, GiveSendGo’s mission goes beyond money raised — it’s about hope. Penny’s story showed that financial help and spiritual encouragement often walk hand in hand. Thousands didn’t just give; they prayed, believing that truth would prevail.
Daniel Penny’s journey stands as a reminder of what platforms like GiveSendGo exist to protect: the right to ask for help, to receive it freely, and to believe that justice belongs to everyone.
Because when fairness is on the line, crowdfunding isn’t just about raising money. It’s about defending freedom, dignity, and the truth that every person deserves to be heard.
Additional Reading:
That platform became GiveSendGo — and what followed was one of the most viral, scrutinized, and ultimately vindicated fundraising campaigns in recent memory.
What Led to the Campaign
On May 1, 2023, Jordan Neely — an unhoused man with a history of mental health struggles — boarded a Manhattan subway train. According to multiple eyewitnesses, Neely began acting erratically, issuing threats, and frightening passengers.
In that moment, Daniel Penny stepped in to restrain him. What happened next was recorded on video and quickly spread across the internet, igniting outrage, defense, and debate. What some saw as an act of courage, others condemned as reckless. Before any court proceedings began, the court of public opinion had already taken sides.
Soon after, Manhattan prosecutors charged Penny with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide — serious offenses that carried potentially life-altering consequences. With mounting legal fees and intense public scrutiny, Penny and his team knew they needed help. But choosing where to turn for that help would make all the difference.
Choosing GiveSendGo
When it came time to raise funds for his legal defense, Penny’s team turned to GiveSendGo—a trusted and secure platform where people can fundraise freely without fear of being deplatformed.
Unlike other crowdfunding sites, GiveSendGo doesn’t exclude individuals based on controversy or public opinion. We exist to ensure everyone has the opportunity to raise support without fear of being silenced.
“Too often, people are judged by the court of public opinion before they ever step into a courtroom,” said Jacob Wells, Co-founder of GiveSendGo. “Hosting Daniel Penny’s campaign wasn’t about taking sides — it was about standing for the right of every person to raise the funds needed for a fair trial. Quality legal representation shouldn’t be reserved for the wealthy. The ability to raise funds for one’s defense ensures verdicts like the one we heard today are based on facts, not financial barriers.” [Read Full GiveSendGo Press Release]
At its height, Daniel Penny’s campaign became the second-largest in GiveSendGo’s history.
The Viral Surge
Once live, Penny’s campaign took off almost instantly.
Donations poured in from across the country — from large donors and everyday Americans alike — all united by one belief: that everyone deserves due process and a fair defense.
Within weeks, the fund surpassed $2.8 million, drawing headlines nationwide. Supporters flooded the campaign page with prayers and words of encouragement like, “The world needs more patriots like you!” and “Thank you for your service to our nation. May you receive the expert and thorough legal defense to which you are entitled, and which you deserve.”
The Trial and the Verdict
The trial stretched across months of tension and media attention. Jurors were initially asked to deliberate on the manslaughter charge, but after extended debate, they couldn’t reach a verdict. The judge later dismissed that charge, and the trial continued on the lesser count of criminally negligent homicide.
Finally, on December 9, 2024, Daniel Penny was acquitted. The court found him not guilty.
“This campaign is a prime example of why GiveSendGo exists,” said Heather Wilson, Co-founder of GiveSendGo. “While other platforms deny individuals the chance to raise funds for a quality legal defense based on their agendas, we believe people are innocent until proven guilty. Justice isn’t served when resources are limited to those who fit certain narratives.”
Why His Story Matters
So why does this story matter — not just for Daniel Penny, but for all of us?
1. A Platform for Legal Defense — Without Fear
When the world seemed determined to pass judgment before hearing the facts, GiveSendGo stood as a platform where Penny could confidently fundraise — free from censorship or fear of having donations seized.
2. Bold Stories Inspire Bold Support
Penny’s case was polarizing. But thousands of people chose conviction over comfort, giving and sharing because they believed in fairness and due process.
3. A Test of Justice Under Pressure
His campaign became a living example of how the principles of justice can survive intense scrutiny. When the noise of public opinion grows loud, truth must still have a voice.
4. Reinforcing Hope and Freedom
At its core, GiveSendGo’s mission goes beyond money raised — it’s about hope. Penny’s story showed that financial help and spiritual encouragement often walk hand in hand. Thousands didn’t just give; they prayed, believing that truth would prevail.
A Lasting Reminder
Daniel Penny’s journey stands as a reminder of what platforms like GiveSendGo exist to protect: the right to ask for help, to receive it freely, and to believe that justice belongs to everyone.
Because when fairness is on the line, crowdfunding isn’t just about raising money. It’s about defending freedom, dignity, and the truth that every person deserves to be heard.
Additional Reading:
Comments
There are no comments yet. Be the first to add a comment below!
Leave a Comment
Fields with * are requiredGiveSendGo
The place where help and hope go hand-in-hand.
