Daniel Penny to be tapped for Congressional Gold Medal by House GOP lawmaker
Rep. Eli Crane, a House GOP lawmaker, is pushing for Congress’ highest civilian honor to be awarded to U.S. Marine veteran Daniel Penny. Penny, who is currently on trial for the death of a homeless man in a New York City subway, has been hailed by Crane as a hero who bravely defended himself and others in the face of danger.
Crane, a retired Navy SEAL, is set to introduce a resolution to honor Penny with the Congressional Gold Medal. According to Crane, Penny’s actions exemplify courage and a commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of a corrupt justice system that often fails to protect the innocent. He believes that Penny’s actions deserve recognition and praise, and that awarding him with the Congressional Gold Medal would be a fitting tribute to his heroism.
The incident in question occurred in May 2023, when Penny, 26, intervened in a situation where 30-year-old Jordan Neely, who had schizophrenia, was behaving erratically and making threatening statements on a subway train. Penny put Neely in a chokehold, which ultimately led to Neely’s death. Penny’s defense lawyers argue that he was acting in self-defense and in defense of other passengers on the train, and that it is not certain beyond a reasonable doubt that his actions caused Neely’s death.
Prosecutors, on the other hand, have painted Penny’s actions as reckless and unnecessary, blaming him for causing Neely’s death. They argue that Neely did not pose a specific threat to anyone and was unarmed at the time of the incident. The case has sparked debates about the morality of vigilantism and the role of citizens in upholding law and order in progressive cities.
In his resolution, Crane praises Penny for his bravery and his commitment to protecting the residents of New York City from violence. He highlights Penny’s military background as a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran and describes his actions as going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety of his community.
The case of Daniel Penny and the debate surrounding it have brought to light the complex issues surrounding self-defense, vigilantism, and the responsibilities of citizens in maintaining public safety. Crane’s resolution to award Penny with the Congressional Gold Medal is a testament to the ongoing discussions and controversies surrounding these issues.
In conclusion, the story of Daniel Penny and the actions he took on that fateful day in the subway have sparked a national conversation about justice, morality, and the role of citizens in society. Whether or not Penny ultimately receives the Congressional Gold Medal, his story serves as a reminder of the complexities of the criminal justice system and the moral dilemmas that individuals may face in times of crisis.