Daniel Penny, a former U.S. Marine recently acquitted of homicide charges in the death of a New York City subway rider, will attend Saturday’s Army-Navy football game as Vice President-elect J.D. Vance’s guest. Vance announced on X Friday that Penny accepted the invitation to the annual game in Landover, Maryland, which will also host President-elect Donald Trump.
Penny, 26, was found not guilty on Monday by a Manhattan jury of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man with a history of mental illness. Neely, described as agitated and threatening by witnesses, boarded a train on May 1, 2023. Penny restrained him with a chokehold, resulting in his death and sparking widespread debate.
The case divided public opinion. Some viewed Neely, who was Black, as a victim of racial injustice, while others, including Republican politicians, hailed Penny as a hero for protecting fellow passengers.
“Daniel’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone,” Vance wrote on X. “I’m grateful he accepted my invitation and hope he sees how much his fellow citizens admire his courage.”
Penny’s lawyer, Steven Raiser, said the invitation wasn’t political. “He views it as an honor,” Raiser said, adding that Penny would have accepted a similar invitation from a Democratic president.
Penny, who didn’t testify during his trial, left court Monday without comment. A manslaughter charge was previously dismissed after jurors indicated they were deadlocked.
Also read: Texas Faces Risks as CO2 Injection Projects Surge Amid Limited Oversight
