A man, previously pardoned by President Donald Trump for his involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot, has been arrested for allegedly threatening to kill U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Christopher P. Moynihan is accused of sending a text message indicating Jeffries would be giving a speech in New York City. In the message, Moynihan wrote that he could not allow Jeffries to live and that he must be eliminated, adding that he intended to kill him in the future.
Moynihan, from Clinton, N.Y., faces a felony charge for making a terroristic threat. It remains uncertain whether he has legal representation in the case, and attempts to contact him and his family by email and phone have been unsuccessful.
The 34-year-old was previously sentenced to 21 months in prison for participating in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. He was among the many Capitol rioters who received pardons from Trump on his first day back in office. Jeffries expressed gratitude towards the swift actions of investigators in apprehending the individual who posed a credible threat against him.
House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned violence and emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for such actions. The threat against Jeffries was reported to the New York State Police by an FBI task force, leading to Moynihan’s arraignment in Dutchess County. The District Attorney stated that threats against public officials and the community will not be tolerated.
Moynihan’s involvement in the January 6 attack included breaching police barricades, entering the Capitol through the Rotunda Door, and disrupting the joint session of Congress. He was convicted of obstructing the session and pleaded guilty to other riot-related charges.