Daniel Penny attends Manhattan Institute fundraiser — where protesters staged a ‘die-in’
Protestors Stage “Die-In” at Manhattan Institute Fundraising Gala
Daniel Penny made a grand entrance at the swanky Manhattan Institute fundraising gala in New York City on Wednesday night. The event, known as the Alexander Hamilton Award Dinner, drew the ire of left-wing protestors who staged a dramatic “die-in” outside the venue to protest the extravagance and the presence of wealthy elite attendees.
Penny, a former marine who was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide in the May 2023 killing of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway, received a warm welcome from other guests as he arrived at Cipriani 42nd Street for the event.
As Penny and other guests donned tuxedos for the black-tie affair, they were met with protestors outside the venue. Demonstrators staged a “die-in”, laying on the ground with cardboard headstones criticizing President Trump, Elon Musk, and “Top MAGA-donor billionaires.”
“Billionaire tax cuts killed me,” read one of the makeshift tombstones, while another stated, “Trump helped the rich, not me,” with a skull and crossbones symbol at the top.
The protest was organized by Third Act NYC, under the banner of “MAGA Billionaire Blockade”, to condemn the influence of oligarchs associated with the Trump administration and the wealthiest individuals benefiting from policies that harm working-class Americans.
“On May 7, we’re crashing their party,” the group declared in a call to action for the “die-in”, emphasizing the need to challenge the power and privilege of the elite.
Despite the protest, the event continued as planned, with tables at the awards dinner priced between $15,000 and $250,000. The gala aimed to recognize individuals making significant contributions to urban revitalization across the country.
Despite the disruption caused by the protestors, the event celebrated the achievements of individuals dedicated to revitalizing cities and communities across the nation.
