A man previously pardoned after participating in the Capitol riot has faced new legal troubles for threatening the life of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Pardoned Capitol Rioter Threatens Hakeem Jeffries
Christopher Moynihan, 34, was taken into custody by New York State Police following information from the FBI about his threats against Jeffries. Allegedly, Moynihan sent a text message indicating his intentions to kill the influential Democratic politician.
Details of the Arrest
- Moynihan was arrested in Clinton, New York.
- He faces a felony charge for making a terroristic threat.
- The court scheduled his appearance for Thursday.
After his arrest, Moynihan was booked and remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center. He is being held on bail options of $10,000 cash, $30,000 bond, or an $80,000 partially secured bond.
Background on Moynihan
Moynihan was pardoned by then-President Donald Trump on January 20, 2021, the same day he took office. He had previously been sentenced to 21 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release related to the events of January 6, 2021.
During the Capitol riot, Moynihan was recorded on video expressing hostility towards political leaders. Jeffries remarked on the implications of the pardons, stating that many individuals released have subsequently engaged in further criminal activities.
Rising Threats to Lawmakers
The arrest of Moynihan comes amid heightened security concerns for members of Congress. The Capitol Police reported a significant increase in threat assessments, with around 14,000 cases expected by year-end.
These developments underscore the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety and security at a time when extremist threats are on the rise.
