A man who previously received a pardon from former President Donald Trump following his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots has been arrested for threatening U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Christopher P. Moynihan, 34, allegedly sent a series of threatening text messages regarding Jeffries, a Democrat from New York.
Threat Against Hakeem Jeffries
Moynihan is accused of sending a text on Friday that stated Jeffries “must be eliminated” and “I will kill him for the future.” The messages were reported by a state police investigator and expressed his intention to harm Jeffries during an upcoming speech in New York City.
Details of the Arrest
Moynihan, a resident of Clinton, New York, is facing a felony charge for making a terroristic threat. His arraignment occurred on Sunday in a local court in Dutchess County, with a follow-up appearance scheduled for Thursday. It remains unclear if he has legal representation at this time.
Pardoned for Capitol Riots
In January, Moynihan was among those pardoned by Trump after being convicted for his participation in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. He had served 21 months in prison for breaching police barricades and entering the Capitol building, where he was involved in chaotic protests aimed at overturning the electoral results.
- Moynihan disrupted the certification of Joe Biden’s victory.
- He entered the Senate chamber and rifled through congressional materials.
- In addition to his initial felony conviction, he pleaded guilty to multiple riot-related offenses.
Response from Hakeem Jeffries
Following the death threat, Jeffries expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their quick actions. He emphasized the ongoing risks posed by individuals who have previously engaged in violent behavior and feel emboldened to make threats against elected officials.
Law Enforcement’s Stance
Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi affirmed that threats against public officials will not be tolerated. House Speaker Mike Johnson also commented on the situation, emphasizing the need for accountability in cases of violence.
The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety for elected officials and raises questions about the implications of pardoning individuals involved in politically motivated violence.
