Venture capital company employs New York 'subway vigilante'
Daniel Penny joins Andreessen Horowitz as a deal partner on the American Dynamism team. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Daniel Penny has joined the prominent venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz as a deal partner on their American Dynamism team. This news comes after Penny was acquitted in December of criminally negligent homicide related to a widely publicized incident on a subway in New York City.
In May 2023, Penny was involved in a confrontation on a Manhattan F train that resulted in the death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old Black homeless man with a history of mental illness. During the altercation, Penny used a chokehold to restrain Neely, who had reportedly been threatening passengers. The incident, which was recorded on video, led to Penny's arrest and a subsequent trial. In December, a jury found him not guilty of criminally negligent homicide, and a manslaughter charge was dropped after jurors could not reach a verdict.
Neely’s death ignited significant national discussions about racial justice, particularly given the racial dynamics involved. Republican leaders, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, praised Penny as a hero, while civil rights activists, such as Rev. Al Sharpton, drew comparisons to the 1984 subway shooting involving Bernhard Goetz, who shot four Black men and was later acquitted of all charges except for carrying an unlicensed firearm.
David Ulevitch, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, publicly expressed support for Penny's hiring through an internal statement that was shared with The Free Press. He noted, “Daniel is a Marine Corps veteran who served his country and, in a frightening moment in a crowded New York City subway car, did a courageous thing.” He also emphasized, “He was acquitted of all charges. Beyond that, it has always been our policy to evaluate the entire person and not judge them for the worst moment in their entire life.”
US Vice President JD Vance lauded Penny's appointment, referring to it as “Incredible news” on social media platform X.
Further, just five days after his acquittal in December, Penny attended the annual Army-Navy football game alongside President Trump.
In his new role, Penny is expected to be based in Manhattan and will focus on investments within the government and defense technology sectors.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
In May 2023, Penny was involved in a confrontation on a Manhattan F train that resulted in the death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old Black homeless man with a history of mental illness. During the altercation, Penny used a chokehold to restrain Neely, who had reportedly been threatening passengers. The incident, which was recorded on video, led to Penny's arrest and a subsequent trial. In December, a jury found him not guilty of criminally negligent homicide, and a manslaughter charge was dropped after jurors could not reach a verdict.
Neely’s death ignited significant national discussions about racial justice, particularly given the racial dynamics involved. Republican leaders, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, praised Penny as a hero, while civil rights activists, such as Rev. Al Sharpton, drew comparisons to the 1984 subway shooting involving Bernhard Goetz, who shot four Black men and was later acquitted of all charges except for carrying an unlicensed firearm.
David Ulevitch, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, publicly expressed support for Penny's hiring through an internal statement that was shared with The Free Press. He noted, “Daniel is a Marine Corps veteran who served his country and, in a frightening moment in a crowded New York City subway car, did a courageous thing.” He also emphasized, “He was acquitted of all charges. Beyond that, it has always been our policy to evaluate the entire person and not judge them for the worst moment in their entire life.”
US Vice President JD Vance lauded Penny's appointment, referring to it as “Incredible news” on social media platform X.
Further, just five days after his acquittal in December, Penny attended the annual Army-Navy football game alongside President Trump.
In his new role, Penny is expected to be based in Manhattan and will focus on investments within the government and defense technology sectors.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
