Daniel Penney’s Internet Legal Fund has raised more than $1 million for his defense in the New York subway death of Jordan Neely.

Online Legal Defense Fund founded by Daniel Penney Attorneys who was charged with second degree murderaccused of fatally strangling another man on a New York subway train has raised more than $1 million for his legal defense through an online fundraiser.

Marine veteran was released on bail on Friday after becoming the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Video of the May 1 incident shows a man, identified by authorities as Penny, 24, holding Jordan Neely, 30, on the floor of a New York City subway in a chokehold.

Witnesses said Neely, a former Michael Jackson impersonator, acted erratically on the train, allegedly threw garbage and shouted at passengers. The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Neely’s death a homicide.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said in a statement after Penny’s arraignment that “Neely should be alive today, and my thoughts continue to be with his family and loved ones as they mourn his loss at this extremely painful time.”

The case caught fire protests in the subway and calls for justice for Neely.

A request for comment from CBS News to the law offices of Raiser & Kenniff, PC, which founded the online fund, was not immediately returned.

A statement released by Penny’s lawyers offered condolences to Neely’s loved ones. It also said Penny “never intended to harm Mr Neely and could not have foreseen his untimely death”.

Many donors send money to the fund, which is located on crowdfunding site GiveSendGothanked Penny for “doing the right thing.”

One anonymous donor wrote: “God bless you. Thank you for your service as a soldier and a civilian.”

Another anonymous donor sent $10,000 and wrote “thank you for protecting the citizens that day.” Many placed hearts and wrote: “Bless you.”

Penny’s attorneys wrote that the money collected will be managed by their office and will be used for the client’s defense. The attorneys wrote that “any proceeds raised in excess of those necessary to cover Mr. Penny’s legal defense will be donated to the New York Mental Health Defense Program.”

— Alex Sundby and Stephen Smith reported.