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, accused of sending a threatening text message regarding Jeffries’ upcoming speech in New York City, stated that the congressman “must be eliminated” and that he would “kill him for the future.”
Moynihan, from Clinton, N.Y., faces a felony charge for making a terroristic threat. It remains unclear if he has legal representation in the case. Efforts to contact him and his parents were 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 numerous Capitol rioters who received pardons from Trump on his return to the White House.
Following the threat, Jeffries expressed gratitude to law enforcement for swiftly apprehending Moynihan. He condemned the need for resources to protect communities from individuals who should not have been pardoned, highlighting the strain on law enforcement.
The New York State Police were alerted to the threat by an FBI task force, leading to Moynihan’s arraignment in Dutchess County. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. The District Attorney’s office is evaluating the case for legal sufficiency, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for threats against public officials.
Moynihan’s involvement in the Capitol riot included breaching barricades, entering the Capitol, rifling through a senator’s desk, and participating in disruptive behavior in the Senate chamber. He was convicted of obstructing Congress’s certification of Joe Biden’s election victory and pleaded guilty to five other riot-related charges in 2022.