Ex-Marine Daniel Penny says he had an ‘obligation’ to intervene when Jordan Neely became ‘erratic’

The ex-Marine charged with manslaughter in Jordan Neely’s choking death has spoken of his moral obligation to intervene when the homeless man began behaving erratically and threatening the lives of his fellow commuters.

Daniel Penny, 24, made his comments in a new interview with fox news, in which he discussed hearing civil rights activist Eli Wiesel while in high school.

“One of the general messages he was talking about was that good people did nothing. It’s a lesson I carry with me to this day,” Penny told the network. This is the second interview Penny has given.

Neely, who has struggled with mental illness and homelessness in recent years, died after being put in a chokehold by Penny, who restrained him with the help of other riders. The May 1 incident was captured on video.

Daniel Penny was charged with manslaughter less than two weeks later by the Manhattan District Attorney. His lawyers claimed the Long Island resident acted in self-defense after being threatened by Neely. If convicted, Penny could face up to 15 years in prison.

Daniel Penny, 24, faces 15 years in prison for putting Jordan Neely, 30, in a deadly stranglehold

Penny, 24, turned himself in earlier this month after the district attorney’s office announced he would be charged with second-degree manslaughter

In his latest interview, Penny said if Neely had continued “he would have killed someone.” Since the incident, Penny said he is too traumatized to ride the subway.

The ex-Marine went on to tell Fox News that he was inspired to join the Marines after seeing an ad on TV. “They went out and helped the world, and I wanted to be a part of that.”

He described his time in the service as “amazing” and opened his mind to new perspectives, seeing parts of the world that many don’t see thanks to his travels in Spain, Greece, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Japan.

Penny also spoke of patriotism growing up, as many of his neighbors were first responders on 9/11.

When his shift was over, he backpacked all over Mexico and Central America. Once back in the US, he moved to New York City to live with his sister, teaching swimming and bus table classes to make ends meet after enrolling in an architecture program.

Speaking of the fateful one when he boarded an F train to go to the gym, Penny said, “Between stops you’re stuck on the train with nowhere to go.” You can try to drive away, but there’s only so much you can do with a packed car. I was scared. I looked around, and I saw older women and children, and they were terrified.’

At this point, Penny stepped in and choked Neely until the train arrived at Broadway-Lafayette station where police found him motionless.

His attorney, Steven Raiser, agreed with his client’s version of events telling Fox, “Danny could have gone to the corner of the train and waited for Neely to come to him.” But maybe it was too late for the little girl sitting in the middle of the train [Neely] yelled at.’

It was reported this week that a New York grand jury was hearing evidence in the case. It is unknown if Penny will testify.

Jordan Neely was known as a Michael Jackson impersonator in his youth

Jordan Neely pictured with his aunt, Carolyn. His aunt is preparing to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Daniel Penny

Penny also thanked those who contributed to his legal fund through GiveSendGo. At the time of writing, the campaign has raised more than $2.8 million.

‘As a student I had two jobs. My family doesn’t run out of money, so I’m incredibly grateful for this fund and all the people who have supported me,” Penny said.

“Funds are being raised to pay for Mr. Penny’s legal fees incurred for any criminal charges and any future civil suits that may arise, as well as costs associated with his defense,” the page reads in part.

Rocker Kid Rock wrote on the page, “Mr. Penny is a hero. Alvin Bragg is a point of sale. kidrock.’ Penny’s actions were also celebrated by 2024 presidential governor hopeful Ron DeSantis.

Last week, Jordan Neely’s aunt, Carolyn, announced her intention to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Penny in a letter sent to Penny’s attorney by her attorneys, Manhattan-based Mills & Edwards.

‘ Please note that this office has been retained . . . to file a claim for personal injury and wrongful death. . . . Your action resulted in the death of Jordan Neely,” the letter reads in sub-reports the New York Post.

According to the Post report, Neely’s aunt is also looking for Penny’s insurance information.

Penny said he often thinks of Neely’s family, members of which have said he should be charged with murder.

“They have been in my prayers. I sympathize with their loss. Like Jordan, they too are victims of a failed system,” he told Fox.

In response to those calling him a racist, Penny pointed out that many of those aboard the train that day were minorities. “It certainly hurts a lot. It’s clearly taken its toll.”