First appearance on Fox: House Republicans want to award Congress' highest civilian honor to a U.S. Marine Corps veteran accused of killing a homeless man in defense of himself and others.
Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) plans to introduce a resolution to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Daniel Penny, Fox News Digital reported Friday.
“Daniel Penny's actions exemplify what it means to stand up to the grain to do the right thing in a world where moral baseness is rewarded,” said Crane, a former Navy SEAL.
“Our 'justice' system is deeply corrupt, punishing the righteous while allowing perverts to crush our laws and our sense of safety. He bravely stood between the cracks to protect his fellow Americans. I am extremely proud to introduce this resolution honoring his heroism and awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal. I think so.”
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Congressman Eli Crane (right) plans to introduce a resolution to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Daniel Penny. (Fox News Digital/Getty Images)
Penny is on trial for the death of Jordan Neely, 30, on a New York City subway train in May 2023.
Witnesses said Mr Neely, who suffered from schizophrenia, told passengers on the train that “someone is going to die today” and did not care if he himself died in the allegedly erratic scene. .
Penny, 26, grabbed Neely from behind in a chokehold for about six minutes. He later died.
Penny's lawyers argued that his actions protected him and the other passengers on the train. They also argued that it was not certain beyond a reasonable doubt that Neely, who had the synthetic drug K2 in his system at the time, died in the chokehold.
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A sketch depicting witness Nolan Dryley testifying in the trial of Daniel Penny being cross-examined by Thomas Kenniff in Manhattan Supreme Court, Tuesday, November 19, 2024. (Jane Rosenberg)
But prosecutors said Neely did not threaten anyone and was not armed. They accused Penny's actions of recklessly causing the homeless man's death, citing video that shows him continuing to strangle Neely even after he stopped moving.
The case sparked a broader debate about the morality of vigilantism and progressive city crime policy.
Crane said in his resolution that Penny “protected women and children in New York City, New York from violence on May 1, 2023.”
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“Throughout President Biden's term, local governments in cities and states have failed to adequately protect their residents and their property from violent criminals,” reads the bill text, previewed by Fox News Digital.
“Daniel Penny, along with others, acted to save New York City subway passengers from threatening behavior by detaining a criminal with 42 prior arrests and an active warrant until police arrived. Daniel Penny, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was awarded the Medal of Valor for actions taken in response to a threat to the United States that went beyond civilian duty.
