GOP Rep. Introduces Bill To Award Daniel Penny The Congressional Gold Medal

A Republican congressman is seeking to honor Daniel Penny, the Marine veteran currently facing trial over the death of Jordan Neely, with the Congressional Gold Medal. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) announced his intention to introduce a resolution on Friday to award Penny the prestigious civilian honor.

Crane’s bill argues that Penny acted to “protect women and children” on a New York City subway on May 1, 2023, when he restrained Neely, a homeless man with a history of mental illness and prior arrests. Neely later died, and Penny was charged with manslaughter.

“Daniel Penny, with others, acted to save New York City subway riders from threatening be10 havior by restraining a criminal – who had 42 prior arrests and an active warrant – until the police came,” the draft resolution reads. “The courageous actions taken in response to the threat to his community by Daniel Penny, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, went beyond the civilian call of duty.”

“It is the sense of the Congress that Daniel Penny, with integrity and honor that is characteristic of who he is and of his honorable service in the United States Marin Corps, stepped in to protect women and children from an individual who was threatening to kill innocent bystanders, and he is a hero.”

News: Eli Crane plans to introduce a resolution to award Daniel Penny a Congressional Gold Medal

Penny, a Marine vet, is currently on trial for the death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man he held in a chokehold on an NYC subway in 2023https://t.co/lUdnSmY9Nh pic.twitter.com/gtZVgV4oFV

— Liz Elkind (@liz_elkind) December 6, 2024

The proposal comes at a critical moment in Penny’s trial. On Friday, Judge Maxwell Wiley dismissed the top charge of first-degree manslaughter against Penny, citing concerns about jury deliberation procedures. The dismissal of the most severe charge—carrying a potential 25-year prison sentence—narrowed the case to second-degree manslaughter, a lesser count suggesting recklessness rather than intent to harm.

Penny’s attorney, Thomas Kenniff, called the move unprecedented, warning it could embolden prosecutors to overcharge defendants. “This has never been done before,” Kenniff said in court. “It would encourage prosecutors to overcharge in the grand jury, with the option of withdrawing if hung.”

The judge, however, defended his decision, telling the jury, “This is not an acquittal. You are free to consider Count 2 on Monday,” referring to the remaining second-degree charge.

Neely’s death sparked intense debate nationwide over public safety, homelessness, and vigilantism. Prosecutors contend Penny’s chokehold was excessive and reckless, while the defense maintains that Penny intervened to protect passengers from Neely, who was allegedly acting erratically and issuing verbal threats.

Supporters of Penny, including many on the right, view him as a hero who acted decisively in a chaotic situation. Crane’s bill underscores a broader Republican critique of urban crime and what they describe as failures in public safety under Democratic leadership.

The Congressional Gold Medal is among the highest civilian honors bestowed by Congress, previously awarded to figures such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and 9/11 first responders. While symbolic, it requires bipartisan support to pass, raising questions about the bill’s prospects in a divided Congress.

As Penny’s trial continues, the jury is expected to return Monday to deliberate on the remaining charge of second-degree manslaughter, which still carries significant penalties, including potential jail time.

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