A man who had his previous convictions for participating in the U.S. Capitol breach pardoned by former President Donald Trump has been taken into custody for allegedly threatening to kill U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Christopher P. Moynihan is accused of sending a threatening text message notifying of Jeffries’ upcoming speech in New York City and stating that the congressman “must be eliminated.” The message also included a threat to kill Jeffries in the future.
Charged with making a terroristic threat, Moynihan, a resident of Clinton, N.Y., faces a felony charge. It is uncertain if he has legal representation, and attempts to reach him and his family were unsuccessful.
Moynihan, 34, was previously sentenced to 21 months in prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. He was among numerous Capitol rioters who received pardons from Trump on his return to the presidency.
House Minority Leader Jeffries expressed gratitude to law enforcement for swiftly addressing the threat against him and condemned the violence, stating that individuals like Moynihan, who should not have been pardoned, are now causing law enforcement resources to be diverted.
The New York State Police were alerted to the threat by an FBI task force, leading to Moynihan’s arraignment in Dutchess County and his next court appearance scheduled for Thursday. Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi emphasized that threats against public officials and citizens will not be tolerated.
Moynihan’s actions during the Capitol breach included breaching police barricades, entering the Capitol through the Rotunda Door, and participating in disruptive behavior in the Senate chamber. He was convicted in 2022 for obstructing the joint session of Congress certifying Joe Biden’s presidential victory and pleaded guilty to additional riot-related charges.