A high-profile court case verdict leads to an exclusive invitation for a former Marine at a prestigious military sporting event.
According to Daily Mail, Daniel Penny, recently acquitted of criminally negligent homicide charges, has been invited by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance to attend Saturday's Army-Navy game alongside President-elect Donald Trump in his suite.
The invitation comes just days after a Manhattan jury cleared Penny of charges related to the death of Jordan Neely in a New York City subway incident. Former Fox News anchor Pete Hegseth, Trump's Defense Secretary pick, is also expected to join the gathering, as Fox reported on Friday.
The case has drawn significant attention from both conservatives and liberals, highlighting deep divisions in public opinion.
Conservatives have rallied behind Penny, portraying him as a good Samaritan who acted to protect fellow subway passengers.
Vice President-elect Vance expressed his support for Penny on social media platform X. He emphasized his view of the case's broader implications for civic duty and justice:
Daniel's a good guy, and New York's mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone. I'm grateful he accepted my invitation and hope he's able to have fun and appreciate how much his fellow citizens admire his courage.
The incident has sparked heated debates about racial justice and public safety, as Penny, who is white, was involved in an altercation that resulted in the death of Neely, a black man with documented mental health challenges.
The confrontation occurred on May 1, 2023, when Penny applied a chokehold on Neely for approximately six minutes. The incident was triggered by Neely's erratic behavior that allegedly frightened other subway passengers.
In his first extensive post-verdict interview with Judge Jeanine Pirro on Fox Nation, Penny defended his actions and explained his mindset during the incident. He emphasized his non-confrontational nature and expressed concern for public safety:
I'll take a million court appearances and people calling me names and people hating me, just to keep one of those people from getting hurt or killed.
The case garnered additional political attention due to its connection to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who also oversees the Trump hush money case. This connection has led to scrutiny of the prosecution's motivations and decisions.
Daniel Penny's presence at the Army-Navy game represents a significant moment following his high-profile legal battle.
The former Marine veteran, cleared of criminally negligent homicide charges in Manhattan, will join the President-elect's suite for one of America's most celebrated military sporting traditions.
The invitation from Vice President-elect Vance and the presence of other prominent figures, including Trump's Defense secretary pick, Pete Hegseth, underscores the political and social implications of Penny's case. The event marks a notable transition from courthouse to VIP box, highlighting the continued public interest in the case and its broader implications for American society.
