FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran recently acquitted in a high-profile New York subway incident, has accepted an invitation from Vice President-elect JD Vance to join Donald Trump’s suite at the upcoming Army-Navy football game.
Penny, 26, was cleared of criminally negligent homicide charges related to the 2023 death of Jordan Neely, with a manslaughter charge also dismissed. His acquittal came amid a contentious national debate over public safety and personal responsibility.
Vance announced Penny’s acceptance on social media, stating, “Daniel’s a good man who faced unjust prosecution for acting courageously. I’m glad he accepted my invitation and hope he enjoys the game, knowing how much respect and support he has.”
The case divided public opinion, with some portraying Penny as a protector who intervened in a dangerous situation, while others criticized him as an aggressor responsible for a tragic death. The legal proceedings drew significant attention from political figures, particularly those on the right.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a former GOP presidential candidate recently appointed by Trump to lead a government spending reduction initiative alongside tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, contributed to Penny’s legal defense fund. Following the acquittal, Penny shared his thoughts in a detailed interview, expressing relief and emphasizing his intent to prevent harm.
“I’m not confrontational by nature,” Penny told Fox News. “But I couldn’t live with myself if someone got hurt because I failed to act.” He added, “I’d endure court appearances and public criticism if it meant saving lives.”
While Trump has remained quiet on the case recently, he previously expressed sympathy, suggesting that Penny and others on the subway were “in serious danger.”
The court’s decision sparked protests in New York City, with demonstrators gathering to remember Jordan Neely and demand accountability. Neely, a homeless man with a history of mental health struggles, had a record of violent incidents in subway stations and was reportedly in distress during the confrontation.
Vance, a fellow Marine Corps veteran, defended the legal outcome, asserting that “justice prevailed.” He contended that Penny’s actions were justified in a challenging and unpredictable situation.
"This is a man who had the training of a Marine and the courage of a lion ... He is humble, he thinks that he's serving people, and he's willing to live with it and do it again."@JudgeJeanine discusses her interview with Marine veteran Daniel Penny following his acquittal in… pic.twitter.com/oF6jHasE6c
— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 11, 2024
The case has reignited conversations about balancing public safety with compassionate responses to mental health crises. It continues to shape national discourse on individual responsibility and societal support systems.