Van Drew Condemns the Trial of American Hero Daniel Penny

December 5, 2024 — Congressman Van Drew released the following statement regarding the trial of U.S. Marine Corps veteran Daniel Penny, who is facing charges for protecting subway passengers in New York City.

“The only thing Daniel Penny is guilty of is stepping up to protect innocent people in a dangerous, unpredictable situation,” said Congressman Van Drew. “He did what any responsible person would do in the face of an immediate threat. To convict him would send a dangerous message to the American people: think twice before helping others because you might face the consequences for doing the right thing. The left’s weak-on-crime policies have fueled a rise in violent crime in our cities, leaving people fearful for their safety. Daniel Penny showed the courage that many of our elected officials are unwilling to demonstrate and that heroism should be celebrated, not punished.”

Background:In May of 2023, Daniel Penny, a U.S. Marine, intervened to protect passengers when Jordan Neely, a homeless man with a violent history, became aggressive on a New York City subway, making threats and scaring people. Penny restrained Neely to prevent further threat leading to Neely’s death. Daniel Penny is now on trial, facing charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.

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