Daniel Penny Joins Trump, Vance At Annual Army-Navy Game

In a span of six days, subway vigilante Daniel Penny transitioned from the prospect of incarceration to enjoying the company of the president-elect in an opulent suite.

The Marine veteran received a hero’s welcome on Saturday as he attended the annual Army-Navy football game alongside soon-to-be President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, as reported by the New York Post on Friday.

Penny, who was acquitted on Monday by a Manhattan jury in the chokehold death of subway rider Jordan Neely, was the personal guest of Vance at the highly anticipated rivalry game, observing the event from the president-elect’s suite at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD.

The New York Post highlighted that other notable attendees included Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, Intelligence Director nominee Tulsi Gabbard, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and billionaire Elon Musk. Prior to the game, Penny, dressed in a navy blue suit and tie, was seen conversing with Vance, Vance’s wife Usha, and Johnson in the luxurious suite.

Later, Trump was observed standing alongside Vance, enthusiastically waving to the crowd as they chanted, “USA! USA!” He also saluted during the National Anthem.

Trump took a moment to acknowledge Penny, posing for several photographs with the Marine veteran alongside Vance, who was seen offering a supportive pat on the back as they engaged in conversation with Trump, sharing laughter while greeting another guest.

Vance remarked on the X platform on Friday, “Daniel’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone,” referencing the far-left Soros-funded Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

He expressed gratitude for Penny’s acceptance of the invitation, hoping that he would enjoy the event and recognize the admiration his fellow citizens have for his bravery.

Gabbard, an Iraq war veteran and current Army Reserve officer, stated to The Post that it was an honor to join Trump “surrounded by great Americans celebrating freedom and what it means to serve.”

It was a privilege to stand alongside brave Americans such as Daniel Penny, who exemplifies the valor of our nation’s warriors, both in military service and civilian life, she remarked. “This event transcends football; it serves as a sincere homage to service and solidarity, reminding us of the sacrifices made to secure our freedoms.”

Trump took a moment to acknowledge Penny while he and Vance posed for several photographs with the Marine veteran. Vance was observed offering a supportive pat on Penny’s back as they conversed with Trump, and earlier, they shared laughter while welcoming another attendee.

“Daniel is an admirable individual, and the district attorney from New York’s mob-infested area attempted to destroy his life for standing firm,” Vance commented on the X platform on Friday, also alluding to the far-left, Soros-backed Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

“I am thankful that he accepted my invitation and hope he enjoys himself, recognizing the admiration his fellow citizens have for his bravery,” Vance further expressed.

I express my gratitude for his acceptance of my invitation and hope he enjoys himself while recognizing the admiration his fellow citizens hold for his bravery, Vance remarked.

Gabbard, an Iraq war veteran who continues to serve as an officer in the Army Reserve, conveyed to The Post that it was a privilege to join Trump “among remarkable Americans who are celebrating freedom and the essence of service.”

“Being alongside brave individuals like Daniel Penny was particularly meaningful, as he represents the valor of our nation’s warriors, both in uniform and beyond,” she stated. “This event transcends football; it serves as a sincere homage to service and solidarity, reminding us of the sacrifices made for our liberties.”

Vance extended the invitation to Penny, 26, from Long Island, to attend the game at the 65,000-seat stadium of the Washington Commanders, while also texting her lead attorney, Thomas Kenniff, to commend him on the verdict.

“He is very humbled and appreciative of the invitation,” Kenniff informed The Post on Saturday.

The Navy decisively triumphed in Saturday’s game with a score of 31-13, now leading the series 63-55, with seven games resulting in a tie, as noted by The Post. With this victory, the Navy improved its record to 9-3, while the 22nd-ranked Army, champions of the American Athletic Conference, fell to 11-2.

The series has been held annually since 1930, with its origins tracing back to 1890.

Penny and his legal team were observed celebrating in Manhattan on Monday following his acquittal in a highly publicized manslaughter trial.

The former Marine was seen enjoying a beer with his defense attorneys, Kenniff and Steven Raiser, at Stone Street Tavern in the Financial District just hours after a jury found him not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely.

The group later continued their evening at the American Whiskey bar in Midtown, as reported by the New York Post.

Penny faced the potential of up to four years in prison if convicted. When inquired about his feelings, a visibly relieved Penny, accompanied by security personnel, simply responded, “Great,” while his lawyers shielded him from reporters, according to The Post.

Kenniff remarked that his client intends to move forward and work towards rebuilding his life.

“He will seek to restore and reorganize his life,” he stated. “In circumstances such as this, we appreciate the victory, yet the damage inflicted upon him does not simply disappear. This is a reality for anyone who has been wrongfully accused.”