Today, Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) sent a letter to New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg in support of former U.S. Marine Daniel Penny, calling on Bragg to cease attempts to convict Penny. The letter highlights Bragg’s misguided attempt to condemn Daniel Penny to 15 years in prison for stopping a criminal from threatening and terrifying residents of New York City.

In May 2023, Penny heroically protected others aboard a New York City subway train from Jordan Neely, a disturbed individual with forty-two prior arrests.

When New York City’s “progressive” criminal justice policies failed to prevent Neely from posing a threat to others, Mr. Penny stepped up to defend those around him.

Earlier this month, Daniel Penny had his request to dismiss the charges against him denied. 

Addressing DA Bragg, Rep. Crane said, “When soft-on-crime prosecutors, like yourself, fail to address lawlessness and debauchery in their cities, Americans such as Daniel Penny are having to protect themselves and others now more than ever in the face of rising rate of crime.”

“As the Left continues to push the defund the police movement, it is imperative that you do not condemn and persecute Good Samaritans who are stopping criminals.”

Democrats continue to advocate for soft-on-crime policies that tie the hands of the police and lead to dangerous, crime-infested streets that force courageous citizens like Daniel Penny to step up.

Witnesses have unequivocally defended Daniel Penny as a hero, and Rep. Crane believes that Mr. Penny acted bravely, in the defense of himself and others.

Joining Rep. Crane in support of Mr. Penny are Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Rep. Josh Brecheen (R-OK), Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX), Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Rep. Mary Miller (R-IL), Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL), Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT), and Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX).

The full letter may be read here.

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