Daniel Penny Joins Trump and Vance as Guest of Honor at Army-Navy Game

[Social Media]

 

Daniel Penny, the New York City subway rider recently acquitted of killing a homeless man during a subway altercation, attended the annual Army-Navy football game near Washington, D.C., as a guest of honor of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. The game, a storied rivalry between two branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, was held at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, and marked the finale of the college football season's Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy series.  

 

Penny, a former U.S. Marine who became a prominent conservative figure during his trial, was invited by Ohio Senator J.D. Vance. Ahead of the game, Vance shared on social media, “Grateful Daniel Penny accepted my invitation to join us in President Trump’s suite on the Army side.”  

 

Penny was cleared earlier this week of criminally negligent homicide after using a fatal chokehold to restrain Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, during a May 2023 subway incident. Neely, who had a history of mental illness, had been shouting at passengers and asking for money. The case drew widespread attention and sparked debates on public safety and the treatment of mental health and homelessness in New York City.  

 

Speaking about the acquittal, Vance defended Penny, stating, “He’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone.” The senator also criticized Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, calling it “a scandal” that Penny was prosecuted.  

 

At the game, Penny was photographed speaking with Trump and Vance inside the suite. Penny’s lawyer, Steven Raiser, emphasized that his attendance was not politically motivated, saying his client viewed the invitation as an honor. “If it were a president in office who was a Democrat, who invited him to the Army-Navy game as a way to show support to the military and for his country, he would have gladly accepted that as well,” Raiser said.  

 

The event drew several high-profile attendees from Trump’s inner circle, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Trump’s defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Others present included Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, and Kash Patel, slated to head the FBI under the incoming administration. Notably, Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump, also made an appearance.  

 

Penny’s acquittal followed prosecutors’ decision to drop a second-degree manslaughter charge after jurors could not reach a consensus. Despite being cleared of criminal charges, Penny faces a civil lawsuit filed by Neely’s father, who is seeking damages for alleged civil assault and battery. Raiser previously dismissed the lawsuit as a “distraction.”  

 

The Army-Navy game provided a symbolic stage for Penny, who has been at the center of a national debate. His case has polarized opinions, with some viewing him as a vigilante and others commending his actions as protective of fellow passengers. The May subway incident triggered protests across New York City and reignited discussions about the challenges of mental health and homelessness in urban areas.  

 

As the fallout from the case continues, Penny’s presence at the game alongside Trump and Vance underscored his evolving role as a conservative icon while also highlighting the broader conversations his case has ignited in American society.

 

Based on a report by BBC 2024-12-16

 

 

 

[Srikcir]

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

“Grateful Daniel Penny accepted my invitation to join us in President Trump’s suite on the Army side.”  

Trump isn't POTUS yet. He is a civilian. The Suite currently belongs to POTUS Biden. And like his civilian guests, he should have held his hand over his heart during the national anthem.