A Republican congressman is pushing to honor Daniel Penny, the Marine veteran currently on trial for the death of Jordan Neely, with the Congressional Gold Medal. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) revealed plans on Friday to introduce a resolution to award Penny the prestigious civilian recognition.
Crane’s proposed 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, leading to Penny being charged with manslaughter.
“Daniel Penny, along with others, acted to protect New York City subway passengers from threatening behavior by restraining a criminal – who had 42 prior arrests and an active warrant – until the police arrived,” the draft resolution states. “The courageous actions of Daniel Penny, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran, went above and beyond the civilian call of duty.”
“It is the view of Congress that Daniel Penny, with the integrity and honor characteristic of his service in the United States Marine Corps, intervened to protect women and children from an individual who threatened to kill innocent bystanders, and he is a hero.”
The proposal comes amid the ongoing trial of Penny. On Friday, Judge Maxwell Wiley dismissed the top charge of first-degree manslaughter against Penny, citing issues with jury deliberation procedures. This dismissal of the most serious charge, which carried a potential 25-year prison sentence, left only the second-degree manslaughter charge, which implies recklessness rather than intentional harm.
Penny’s attorney, Thomas Kenniff, criticized the move, calling it unprecedented and warning that it could encourage prosecutors to overcharge defendants. “This has never been done before,” Kenniff said in court. “It would lead prosecutors to overcharge in the grand jury, with the possibility of withdrawing if there’s a hung jury.”
The judge 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 has sparked intense national debate over public safety, homelessness, and vigilantism. Prosecutors argue that 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 threats.
Penny’s supporters, especially on the right, view him as a hero who acted decisively in a dangerous situation. Crane’s bill reflects a broader Republican critique of urban crime and public safety, particularly under Democratic leadership.
The Congressional Gold Medal is one of the highest civilian honors granted by Congress, previously awarded to figures such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., and 9/11 first responders. Although the medal is a symbolic honor, it requires bipartisan support to pass, raising questions about the bill’s chances in a divided Congress.
As Penny’s trial continues, the jury is expected to return on Monday to deliberate on the remaining second-degree manslaughter charge, which still carries significant penalties, including possible jail time.
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