Vice President-elect JD Vance has invited Daniel Penny, the Marine veteran not too long ago acquitted within the chokehold loss of life of Jordan Neely, to attend the Military-Navy soccer recreation as his visitor.
As per NBC Information, Penny will watch the sport alongside Vance in President-elect Donald Trump’s suite on the Washington Commanders Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
The invitation comes days after Penny’s acquittal on prices of criminally negligent murder. Talking concerning the invite, Vance described Penny as a “good man” whose life was unfairly focused.
“New York’s mob district legal professional tried to damage his life for having a spine,” Vance wrote on X. “I’m grateful he accepted my invitation and hope he’s capable of have enjoyable and respect how a lot his fellow residents admire his braveness”, he added.
Penny was discovered not responsible earlier this week within the loss of life of Jordan Neely, a homeless man who died after Penny positioned him in a chokehold on a New York subway prepare in Might 2023.
Prosecutors alleged that Penny’s actions had been reckless, whereas Penny argued he acted in self-defence and to guard others.
Witnesses, together with Juan Alberto Vazquez, described Neely as shouting aggressively and making threatening remarks earlier than the incident.
In accordance with Vazquez, Neely declared he was hungry, thirsty, and keen to die or go to jail. “He was threatening to kill individuals … and didn’t care if he went to jail for the remainder of his life,” Penny advised Fox Information, including that he felt he was in a weak place and feared for others’ security.
As per The Hill, Vance avoided publicly commenting on the case throughout the trial however expressed reduction on the verdict. “Thank God justice was finished on this case,” Vance said after the acquittal. “It was a scandal Penny was ever prosecuted within the first place.”
Invitation amid controversy
Penny’s invitation to the Military-Navy recreation underscores his help from members of Trump’s incoming administration. The annual recreation, a big occasion within the navy neighborhood, supplies Penny with a possibility to step away from the authorized proceedings which have introduced him widespread consideration.
Whereas praised as a hero by many, Penny’s actions have additionally sparked debate concerning the remedy of psychological well being crises and public security. Neely, a former road performer battling schizophrenia, was homeless on the time of his loss of life. His case continues to divide opinions on how such incidents ought to be dealt with.
In accordance with The Impartial, Vance, who additionally served within the Marine Corps, highlighted Penny’s actions as brave. “I hope he’s capable of respect how a lot his fellow residents admire his braveness,” Vance stated of Penny’s determination to attend the sport.
Penny’s look on the recreation, set for Saturday afternoon, will possible draw additional public consideration as debates over his actions and the following trial proceed.
