A lawyer for Marine veteran Daniel Penny says his client was "ambushed" by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg who pressed charges on him for second-degree manslaughter.

Attorney Steve Raiser shared that Penny was attempting to help passengers who were threatened by Jordan Neely on the New York subway.

Lawyer for Daniel Penny claims they were AMBUSHED by DA Alvin Bragg with second-degree manslaughter charge - and says ex-Marine put himself 'in danger' by subduing Jordan Neely - as donations for his defense hit $2.3M pic.twitter.com/xyGnF5LfI1

— News News News (@NewsNew97351204) May 16, 2023

$2 million fundraised

"We were told that there was going to be a grand jury presentation and that would take some time. It was going to be a very kind of deliberate process. It was not going to be rushed," Raiser said in an interview with Fox News' Jeanine Pirro.

"Then suddenly we got a call one night before Daniel's to surrender,' Raiser said. The lawyer's interview comes just days after Penny turned himself into prosecutors and hours after a fundraiser for the Marine soared to over $2 million," he added.

The GiveSendGo legal fundraiser for Daniel Penny has now topped $2 million. The former marine was arrested & charged with manslaughter after being accused of causing the death of violent NYC man, #JordanNeely on the Metro subway. https://t.co/TwGfeRSekR

— Andy Ngô 🏳️‍🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) May 16, 2023

The response

The GiveSendGo page displays a photo of Penny, as well as the following statement: “Daniel Penny is a twenty-four-year-old college student and decorated Marine veteran, facing a criminal investigation stemming from him protecting individuals on a NYC subway train from an assailant who later died.”

“Funds are being raised to pay Mr. Penny’s legal fees incurred from any criminal charges filed and any future civil lawsuits that may arise, as well as expenses related to his defense. All contributions are greatly appreciated. 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," it continues.

‘Subway Superman’ Daniel Penny is a HERO.

Today, I will personally be donating to his legal defense fund on GiveSendGo. pic.twitter.com/akAux8EW4Q

— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) May 12, 2023

Lawmakers, others support Penny

The case has led to the public support of many influencers, including Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL).

"'Subway Superman’ Daniel Penny is a HERO," Gaetz tweeted

"Today, I will personally be donating to his legal defense fund on GiveSendG0," he added.

The case will be decided in court but the video has led to support from many who believe Penny is a hero rather than a criminal who should be punished with jail time.

The district attorney could also find himself in trouble if it is found that the charges were based on political influence, an issue many also accused Bragg of in his case against former President Donald Trump.