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Daniel Penny to Attend Army-Navy Game as Guest of JD Vance Following Acquittal
Daniel Penny, a former U.S. Marine who controversially restrained a subway passenger in New York City, will be a guest at the upcoming Army-Navy football game, hosted by Vice President-elect JD Vance. This invitation comes on the heels of Penny’s recent acquittal on homicide charges related to the incident.
Vance announced the arrangement via a post on X Friday, expressing his support for Penny amidst the ongoing public discourse surrounding the case. The Army-Navy game, a cherished American tradition, is expected to attract significant attention, and former President Donald Trump is also slated to attend the event in Landover, Maryland.
The legal saga began when a jury in Manhattan found Penny not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old man who had been exhibiting erratic behavior prior to the encounter on May 1, 2023. Prosecutors acknowledged Neely’s agitated state, framing the case against Penny amid a wider conversation on race and the use of force.
This case has polarized public opinion, with some viewing Neely as a victim of racial violence while others, including various Republican commentators, have heralded Penny as a protector who acted out of necessity in a dangerous situation. Vance emphasized his perspective in the X post, stating, “Daniel’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone.”
Vance expressed gratitude for Penny’s acceptance of the invitation, hoping the event would offer him a chance to feel the support of those who admire his actions. Penny’s attorney, Steven Raiser, confirmed his client’s attendance and clarified that Penny regards this invitation not as a political statement, but rather as an acknowledgment of his service and honor. Raiser noted that if a Democratic president had extended a similar invitation, Penny would have welcomed it just the same.
Penny has maintained that he did not intend to harm Neely, who was homeless and struggled with mental health issues. During the trial, which commenced in October, Penny chose not to testify and exited the courtroom on the day of the acquittal without addressing the press.
In the lead-up to the jury’s decision, a judge had previously dismissed a more severe charge, second-degree manslaughter, due to juror indecision during deliberations. This outcome has further fueled discussions about the implications of the case on broader societal issues, including self-defense, mental health, and race relations in urban settings.
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