Less than two months after he was acquitted in the subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely, former Marine Daniel Penny has landed a high-powered gig at one of the country’s top financial companies.
According to report, Pennywas hired by Andreesen Horowitz to work in Manhattan as a deal partner on the firm’s American Dynamism team, which invests in government and defense tech, according to the company’s website.
Penny was praised for his “courage” in an internal memo sent to all employees this week.
“I believe, as I know many of you do, that Daniel acted with courage in a tough situation,” David Ulevitch, a partner at Andreessen Horowitz, wrote in the internal statement obtained by media outlets.
“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.”
“He will learn the business of investing and he will work to support our portfolio,” Ulevitch wrote, adding that Penny will help strengthen the firm’s relationships with the Department of Defense and public safety sector.
“We believe in Daniel and are excited to have him as part of our team.”
Penny has avoided the spotlight since the high-profile trial, but received praise from Vice President JD Vance when the news of his hiring spread on social media.
“Incredible news,” Vance posted on X Tuesday night.
Penny was acquitted Dec. 9 by a Manhattan jury on charges of criminally negligent homicide in the divisive case that gained national media attention.
He was caught on camera putting Neely, 30, in a chokehold for several minutes after the troubled homeless man menaced others and made threats on May 1, 2023, on an uptown F train in Manhattan.