A New York man who was pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack has been arrested and charged with threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Authorities allege Christopher P. Moynihan sent text messages expressing his intent to murder the Democratic leader ahead of a scheduled speech in New York City.
Trump-Pardoned Rioter Arrested in New York
Christopher P. Moynihan, 34, of Clinton, New York, was taken into custody on Sunday and charged with a felony count of making a terroristic threat. Investigators say Moynihan sent a series of text messages on Friday indicating he planned to assassinate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, a Democrat from New York.
According to a police report, Moynihan texted that he “cannot allow this terrorist to live” and that Jeffries “must be eliminated,” adding, “I will kill him for the future.”
Authorities said the FBI first alerted the New York State Police about the messages on Saturday. Moynihan was arraigned the following day in Dutchess County and is expected to appear again in the Town of Clinton Court on Thursday.
Law Enforcement Moves Quickly to Apprehend Suspect
Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi confirmed his office is reviewing the case “for legal and factual sufficiency.” He emphasized that “threats made against elected officials and members of the public will not be tolerated.”
Jeffries publicly thanked investigators for their “swift and decisive action” in arresting Moynihan, calling the suspect “a dangerous individual who made a credible death threat against me with every intention to carry it out.”
The Democratic leader also criticized Trump’s decision to pardon Moynihan and hundreds of other convicted Jan. 6 rioters, saying, “Our brave men and women in law enforcement are being forced to spend their time keeping our communities safe from these violent individuals who should never have been pardoned.”
House Speaker Responds, Condemns Violence
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, told reporters on Tuesday that he was unaware of the details of the case but condemned all acts of political violence. “We denounce violence from anybody, anytime,” Johnson said. “Those people should be arrested and tried.”
Moynihan’s Jan. 6 Conviction and Trump Pardon
Moynihan was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Prosecutors said he breached police barricades, entered the building through the Rotunda Door, and made his way to the Senate chamber, where he rifled through a notebook on a senator’s desk and shouted with other rioters from the Senate dais.
He did not leave the chamber until officers forcibly removed him, prosecutors said.
In 2022, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper convicted Moynihan of obstructing Congress’s certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory and several other riot-related offenses.
When Trump returned to the White House in January, Moynihan was among hundreds of convicted Capitol rioters who were granted a full presidential pardon.
A Renewed Debate Over Pardons and Public Safety
Moynihan’s arrest has reignited debate over Trump’s mass pardons for Jan. 6 participants. Critics argue that the pardons emboldened violent extremists, while supporters claim the defendants were unfairly prosecuted for political reasons.
Legal experts say Moynihan’s case highlights the long-term implications of presidential clemency decisions. “When pardons are granted en masse to individuals convicted of politically violent crimes, it raises real concerns about accountability and deterrence,” one former Justice Department official said.
What Comes Next
As the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office continues its review, Moynihan remains charged with a felony terroristic threat, a serious offense under New York law. It remains unclear whether federal authorities will pursue additional charges related to the alleged threat against Jeffries.
Moynihan is expected back in court later this week as investigators continue to examine his communications and potential motive.
Source: AP News – Man pardoned after storming Capitol is charged with threatening to kill Hakeem Jeffries
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