Phil Mickelson took to X on Friday to commend Daniel Penny, a former Marine, for stepping up to protect fellow passengers on a New York City subway in a moment of crisis.
Mickelson, a six-time major golf champion, shared his thoughts in response to a post by conservative commentator Collin Rugg, who described Penny as a hero for his decisive actions. Mickelson echoed those sentiments, praising Penny for his courage and commitment to safeguarding others.
“…Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual,” Mickelson wrote.
The incident occurred on May 1, 2023, when Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, reportedly entered a subway car and began threatening passengers, declaring that someone would “die today” and expressing indifference about spending his life in jail. Penny, 26, acted to neutralize the threat, restraining Neely in a chokehold.
Neely, who had a history of mental health struggles and was reportedly under the influence of K2, a synthetic drug, later died.
Neely’s criminal record included numerous incidents, such as an alleged assault on a 67-year-old woman in 2021. Penny faced legal scrutiny, initially being charged with second-degree murder, a serious offense carrying up to 15 years in prison.
However, after the jury could not reach a consensus, the charge was reduced to criminally negligent homicide.
The case has sparked significant debate, with many viewing Penny’s actions as a defense of innocent lives in a perilous situation. Mickelson’s public support for Penny underscores a broader conversation about the role of individuals in protecting public safety amid rising concerns about violent crime in urban areas.
