Money moves fast in New York, but nobody expected it to move this fast. Within hours of Daniel Penny being charged in the 2023 subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely, a digital floodgate opened. It wasn't just a few bucks from neighbors. It was a staggering, multi-million dollar haul that turned a legal defense into a national political statement.
By the time the dust settled on the trial in late 2024, the daniel penny fundraiser had become one of the largest crowdfunding efforts in the history of the GiveSendGo platform.
But where is that money now? It’s a question that gets asked a lot, especially since Penny was acquitted of the most serious charges. Honestly, the answer is more complicated than a simple bank balance. It involves ongoing civil litigation, high-profile donors, and a promise about mental health services that many people are still watching closely.
The Viral Math of the Daniel Penny Fundraiser
Let’s look at the numbers because they’re kinda wild. The fundraiser, set up by the law firm Raiser & Kenniff, P.C., didn't just meet its goal; it smashed it. We’re talking about more than $3 million raised from over 60,000 individual donors.
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At its peak, the campaign was reportedly pulling in $1,000 every single minute.
You’ve got to realize this wasn't just a "help a veteran" page. It became a lightning rod. Big names jumped in early. Kid Rock famously kicked in $5,000 with a very blunt message for the Manhattan District Attorney. Future political figures like Vivek Ramaswamy threw in $10,000. Even Florida Governor Ron DeSantis used his massive social media reach to push the link, calling Penny a "Good Samaritan."
Why GiveSendGo?
Most people wonder why the organizers didn't use GoFundMe. Basically, GoFundMe has a strict policy against raising money for the legal defense of anyone accused of a violent crime. GiveSendGo, which markets itself as a Christian crowdfunding site, has no such qualms. They’ve hosted everything from the Kyle Rittenhouse defense to the Canadian trucker convoy funds. For the Penny team, it was the only real option to handle that kind of volume without getting de-platformed.
Where Does the Money Go After an Acquittal?
In December 2024, a Manhattan jury acquitted Penny of criminally negligent homicide. The more serious manslaughter charge had been dismissed earlier after the jury deadlocked. You’d think that would be the end of the spending, right?
Not even close.
High-stakes criminal trials in New York City are expensive. Like, "sell your house and still owe money" expensive. Penny’s defense team included top-tier experts, forensic pathologists to challenge the medical examiner’s findings, and a massive investigative effort. The "Marine-taught chokehold" defense wasn't just a talking point; it required expert testimony that costs thousands of dollars an hour.
The Looming Civil Battle
Even though Penny walked out of the criminal courtroom a free man, the daniel penny fundraiser is still active for a reason. Jordan Neely’s father, Andre Zachery, filed a wrongful death lawsuit.
In the American legal system, "not guilty" in criminal court doesn't mean you can't be held liable in civil court. Just ask O.J. Simpson. Penny’s lawyers are currently fighting to have this civil suit dismissed, but as of early 2026, the legal gears are still grinding. The fund is specifically designed to cover:
- Ongoing attorney fees for civil litigation.
- Costs for private investigators.
- Travel and administrative expenses related to the case.
- Potential settlements (though the defense has shown no sign of wanting to settle).
The $3 Million Question: The Mental Health Promise
There is a specific line in the fundraiser description that people keep bringing up. It says: "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."
This is the part that gets heated. Critics of Penny point out the irony: Jordan Neely was a man struggling with homelessness and severe mental illness (schizophrenia exacerbated by K2 use). If there is a massive surplus—and with $3 million, there likely is—where does it go?
Sorta interestingly, the defense hasn't named a specific charity yet. They’ve argued that they can't determine the "surplus" until every last legal threat is neutralized. Given that civil suits can take years to resolve, that money might be sitting in an escrow account for a long time.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Fund
It’s easy to think of this as a "wealthy veteran" story, but Penny was a 24-year-old college student when this happened. He didn't have this money. The fundraiser represents a shift in how legal battles are fought in the 2020s.
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It’s "Lawfare" by the people.
Instead of relying on an overworked public defender, Penny was able to buy a "Rolls Royce" defense because 60,000 people felt like the city’s subway system had become too dangerous. For many donors, the money wasn't just for Penny—it was a vote against the policies of the Manhattan DA’s office.
Moving Forward: Actionable Realities
If you’re following this case or thinking about how these fundraisers work, here are the practical takeaways:
- Check the Fine Print: If you donate to a legal fund, the organizers usually have broad discretion. Most funds, including Penny's, cover "ancillary expenses," which can mean anything from expert witnesses to the lawyers' office rent.
- Civil vs. Criminal: An acquittal is only half the battle. If you're looking for the fundraiser to "close," don't hold your breath until the civil litigation is officially dead or settled.
- Transparency Matters: If you’re a donor, you have the right to ask for updates. Public pressure is often the only thing that ensures the "leftover" money actually makes it to the promised charities.
The Daniel Penny case changed how we look at self-defense in the city, but the daniel penny fundraiser changed how those defenses are paid for. It turned a courtroom battle into a crowd-sourced referendum on public safety. Whether you think he’s a hero or a vigilante, the fact remains: in 2026, the person with the most viral "Donate" button often has the loudest voice in court.
To stay informed, you can monitor the official GiveSendGo page for the latest total or check the New York Unified Court System's website for updates on the civil filing status.