Daniel Penny to attend this year's Army-Navy game with Trump
NEW YORK - Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran who used a deadly chokehold on homeless man Jordan Neely on a New York City subway last year, could attend this year's Army-Navy football game alongside president-elect Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump walks onto the field before the start of the Army-Navy football game at Michie Stadium on December 12, 2020 in West Point, New York. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP) (Photo by BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
What we know: The 26-year-old marine veteran who was found not guilty in the New York City subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely was formally invited by Vice President-elect JD Vance to join Trump’s suite at game on Saturday.
Vance said Penny accepted his invitation.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Daniel Penny exits the courtroom for a break during his trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on December 03, 2024 in New York City. Closing arguments have ended and the jury is expected to deliberate in the trial of Pen
The backstory: The city is still grappling with how to respond to mental health crises threatening public safety, although many consider Penny to be a hero.
Passengers said even though Neely didn't physically harm anyone, he had expressed willingness to die, go to jail or even to kill.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump gives a thumbs-up as Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks at an election night watch party, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex B
The former street performer was homeless, had schizophrenia and had synthetic marijuana in his system.
He also had prior convictions of assaulting people at subway stations.
Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide after a more serious manslaughter charge was dismissed last week.