Daniel Penny Acquittal Sparks Widespread Praise

A Manhattan jury’s decision to acquit 26-year-old Marine veteran Daniel Penny of criminally negligent homicide has sparked widespread praise from notable public figures, who hailed the verdict as a victory for justice and common sense.

Penny faced charges after he placed Jordan Neely, a homeless man threatening passengers on a New York City subway, in a fatal chokehold. The high-profile case, prosecuted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, became a flashpoint in the national debate over self-defense and public safety.

National Figures Respond

Vice President-elect J.D. Vance broke his silence on the case, saying, “Thank God justice was done in this case. It was a scandal Penny was ever prosecuted in the first place.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis echoed the sentiment on X, stating, “The acquittal of Daniel Penny is clearly the just and correct verdict. I must admit I was skeptical that a jury in New York City would reach a unanimous not guilty verdict, and the jury deserves credit for doing the right thing. Meanwhile, is there a worse prosecutor in America than Alvin Bragg?”

Others, including The Daily Wire’s Ben Shapiro, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, and professional golfer Phil Mickelson, also weighed in:

• Ben Shapiro: “America needs more men like Daniel Penny. America needs fewer prosecutors like Alvin Bragg.”

• Joe Lonsdale: “It’s not a crime to defend women and children; it’s your duty as an honorable man. We need to give him the hero’s treatment and show that it’s worth it.”

• Phil Mickelson: “Finally a little common sense. There never should have been a trial.”

Maye Musk expressed relief, adding, “The Daniel Penny case made me so angry. Now it’s over. He is our hero.”

Jury Navigates Complicated Case

Jurors were tasked with deciding whether Penny “recklessly” caused Neely’s death a charge of second-degree manslaughter or if his actions constituted criminally negligent homicide, which carried a maximum penalty of four years in prison. On Friday, deliberations stalled as jurors reported being deadlocked over the manslaughter charge. Judge Maxwell Wiley initially instructed the jury to continue deliberating, but discussions ultimately led to the manslaughter charge being dropped.

By Monday, it took jurors less than an hour to return a unanimous not guilty verdict for the remaining charge of criminally negligent homicide.

Alvin Bragg Under Fire

Criticism of Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg has intensified following the case, with many accusing him of pursuing politically motivated prosecutions. Governor DeSantis called Bragg “the worst prosecutor in America,” and Lonsdale urged voters to “stop electing crazy D prosecutors.”

The verdict represents not only a vindication for Penny but a broader affirmation of the right to self-defense. As national debates over crime and public safety continue, this case has underscored the importance of empowering individuals to protect themselves and others.

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