Just days after being acquitted in the controversial subway case involving the death of Jordan Neely, former Marine Daniel Penny received a warm reception as a guest of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance at the annual Army-Navy football game.

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Penny, who was cleared by a Manhattan jury of criminally negligent homicide on Monday, attended the game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on Saturday.

Vance extended the invitation to Penny, calling him a “good guy” and criticizing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg for prosecuting the case.

The 26-year-old Long Island native was among several notable attendees in the president-elect’s suite.

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Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, Intelligence Director nominee Tulsi Gabbard, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk were also present.

Before the game, Penny was seen conversing with Vance and his wife in the luxury suite.

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Vance praised Penny’s actions and resilience during the legal ordeal.

“Daniel’s a good guy, and New York’s mob district attorney tried to ruin his life for having a backbone,” Vance wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday. “I’m grateful he accepted my invitation and hope he’s able to have fun and appreciate how much his fellow citizens admire his courage.”

Penny’s acquittal followed a month-long trial stemming from the May 2023 incident on a New York City subway.

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The altercation began when Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man with a history of mental illness and prior assault convictions, acted erratically on the train, throwing trash at passengers and shouting that he was ready to die.

Penny restrained Neely in a chokehold for several minutes until officers arrived.

Neely was found to have a faint pulse but died shortly afterward. Toxicology reports revealed synthetic marijuana in his system.

The case drew national attention, with critics accusing Penny of racial motives while others defended his actions as necessary to protect fellow passengers.

Witnesses testified that Neely’s behavior terrified nearly everyone in the subway car.

Prosecutors initially charged Penny with manslaughter, but jurors deadlocked on that count.

The case was later reduced to criminally negligent homicide, which carries a maximum penalty of four years in prison. On Monday, a jury cleared Penny of all charges.

The case sparked fierce political and social debate. Conservative leaders, including Vance, hailed the verdict as a victory for justice and self-defense rights while condemning Bragg’s decision to prosecute.

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Critics on the left, including state Senator Jabari Brisport and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, labeled Neely’s death as a “lynching” and “murder.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams described the case as emblematic of systemic failures in addressing mental health issues but respected the jury’s decision.

While Trump has not commented publicly on the case recently, sources indicate he closely followed the trial and stayed updated on developments.

He reportedly spoke with Penny during the jury’s deliberations, expressing support.

Penny attended the game as part of a highly anticipated matchup between Army (11-1) and Navy (8-3).

The annual rivalry game, which dates back to 1890, featured two nationally ranked teams for the first time in years.

The Army-Navy game serves as a celebration of military tradition and excellence, and this year’s contest drew an audience of political leaders, veterans, and sports fans alike.

Penny’s attendance marked a significant moment in his journey from courtroom battles to public recognition.

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As Army secured a hard-fought victory, the game provided a moment of respite for Penny, who has been at the center of a national conversation on vigilantism, crime, and justice.