Over the course of six days, subway vigilante Daniel Penny has gone from fearing a jail sentence to spending time with the president-elect in a luxury suite.
The Marine veteran was greeted as a hero on Saturday when he joined soon-to-be President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the annual Army-Navy football game, the New York Post reported on Friday.
Penny, who was acquitted Monday by a Manhattan jury in the chokehold death of NYC subway rider Jordan Neely, was the personal guest of Vance at the intense rivalry game, watching from the president-elect’s suite at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD.
“Others attending the game included Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, Intelligence Director nominee Tulsi Gabbard, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and billionaire Elon Musk,” the New York Post noted. “Before kickoff, Penny dressed in a navy blue suit and tie, was spotted in the luxury suite talking with Vance, the future veep’s wife, Usha, and Johnson.”
Donald Trump attended the Army-Navy game alongside Marine veteran Daniel Penny, invited by Senator J.D. Vance. The trio posed for photos, with Vance praising Penny on social media, calling him a “good guy” who faced unfair legal challenges from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Penny recently celebrated his acquittal in the high-profile manslaughter trial of Jordan Neely, a case that garnered national attention.
Tulsi Gabbard, also in attendance, highlighted the game’s significance, describing it as a tribute to service and unity. She commended Penny’s courage, calling him an embodiment of the nation’s warriors. Vance expressed gratitude for Penny’s presence, emphasizing the admiration he received from fellow citizens.
The Navy triumphed 31-13, securing its 63rd victory in the historic series, which dates back to 1890. Penny, now focused on rebuilding his life, celebrated the verdict earlier with his legal team in Manhattan. His attorney noted the enduring impact of false accusations but acknowledged the victory as a step forward.
