(DailyChive.com) – Golf legend Phil Mickelson recently voiced his support for Daniel Penny, a 26-year-old former U.S. Marine currently on trial in New York City. Penny is being prosecuted for his role in the death of Jordan Neely, a man with a troubled past who reportedly threatened subway passengers last year.
Penny intervened to restrain Neely during the incident, which led to Neely’s death. The case has sparked widespread debate about public safety and personal responsibility. Mickelson took to social media platform X to endorse Penny, responding to a post that called Penny a “hero.” In his reply, Mickelson wrote, “Agree. Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual.”
The original post Mickelson responded to, authored by commentator Collin Rugg, went further in its praise. Rugg described Penny as a “model citizen” and lamented the decreasing number of people willing to take such courageous action. According to Rugg, Penny risked his safety to safeguard others, acting decisively when Neely began threatening to harm subway passengers. Unlike bystanders who might have simply recorded the incident on their phones, Penny stepped in to protect everyone on board.
Rugg also highlighted the backlash Penny faced, noting that while passengers on the train praised his actions, city officials have been less supportive. “He is the citizen that every mayor of every city should want more of,” Rugg wrote. “He is the person you hope is there if your loved ones are ever in danger.”
Rugg ended his post with a strong statement: “Anyone who is quiet about this injustice lacks moral clarity and should take a long look in the mirror. Daniel Penny is a hero.”
Penny is facing charges of criminally negligent homicide in connection to Neely’s death. The judge dismissed a more severe second-degree manslaughter charge during jury deliberations, leaving the remaining count, which could carry a sentence of up to four years in prison if he is convicted. The case remains a lightning rod for discussions about justice, safety, and the cost of doing the right thing.
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