A Hero Protecting NYC Subway Passengers [WATCH]

Phil Mickelson, a six-time Major golf champion, publicly expressed his support for Daniel Penny, a former U.S. Marine, following Penny’s controversial intervention in a New York City subway incident that resulted in the death of Jordan Neely.

Mickelson took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to commend Penny for his actions and his service to the country.

Mickelson’s comments came in response to a post by conservative commentator Collin Rugg, who praised Penny as a hero for stepping in to protect subway passengers.

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Agreeing with Rugg’s sentiments, Mickelson added his own words of support.

“Agree,” Mickelson wrote. “Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual.”

Agree. Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual. https://t.co/tUI5pe7pFV

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) December 6, 2024

The incident in question occurred on May 1, 2023, on a New York City subway. Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man with a history of mental illness and criminal behavior, reportedly entered a subway car and began threatening passengers.

Witnesses stated that Neely declared someone would “die today” and that he didn’t care if he spent the rest of his life in jail.

Penny, 26, stepped in to subdue Neely, placing him in a chokehold to neutralize the perceived threat.

Tragically, Neely, who had a history of schizophrenia and was found to have synthetic marijuana (K2) in his system, died following the encounter.

The case quickly drew national attention, with Penny initially facing charges of second-degree murder.

This charge carried a potential maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

However, after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous decision on the charge, Assistant Manhattan District Attorney Dafna Yoran requested that the second-degree murder charge be dropped.

BREAKING: The mansl*ughter charge against Daniel Penny has been dismissed.

The jury is done for the day and will return on Monday.

“I’ll take a chance and grant the people’s application,” Judge Wiley said following the prosecution’s request to dismiss the mansl*ughter charge.… pic.twitter.com/5cQFlKPTBH

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 6, 2024

Instead, the jury was asked to deliberate on a lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide.

The legal proceedings have reignited debates around public safety, mental health, and the challenges of addressing violent behavior in public spaces.

Neely’s death highlighted his troubled history, including a 2021 assault on a 67-year-old woman in the subway. His struggles with mental illness and drug use were also noted in court documents.

Penny’s actions have divided public opinion. Supporters argue that he acted heroically to protect himself and fellow passengers in a dangerous situation.

Critics, however, have questioned whether the level of force used was justified.

The case has become a flashpoint for broader discussions about self-defense, public safety, and the role of law enforcement in addressing threats from individuals with untreated mental illnesses.

Mickelson’s endorsement of Penny’s actions reflects a broader sentiment among some conservatives who view the Marine’s intervention as a necessary act in a society grappling with rising urban crime.

As the legal process unfolds, the case continues to draw national attention, with figures like Mickelson bringing added visibility to the conversation.

The decision to pursue the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide underscores the complexities of balancing accountability with the realities of split-second decisions in high-stress situations.

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