Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioter Accused of Threatening House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
A participant in the January 6th Capitol riot, who was previously pardoned by former President Donald Trump, is now facing charges for allegedly threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The accusations stem from a series of disturbing text messages sent regarding an upcoming public appearance by the Democratic leader.
The suspect, identified as Christopher Moynihan, 34, allegedly sent the threatening messages on Friday, according to a felony complaint filed in New York state court. The texts reportedly stated, “Hakeem Jeffries makes a speech in a few days in NYC I cannot allow this terrorist to live…. Even if I am hated he must be eliminated…. I will kill him for the future.” The recipient of these messages has not been publicly identified.
According to the complaint, dated Saturday, the messages “placed the recipient in reasonable fear of the imminent murder and assassination of Hakeem Jeffries by the defendant.”
Jeffries, who represents New York’s 8th congressional district, has served as the top-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives since 2022. The incident raises serious concerns about escalating political rhetoric and the potential for violence.
Moynihan was initially sentenced in February 2023 to 21 months in prison on charges including obstruction of an official proceeding, a felony, related to his involvement in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was one of nearly 1,590 individuals charged in connection with the storming of the Capitol by supporters of President Trump who opposed the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory.
Notably, Moynihan received a full pardon from President Trump on January 20, 2025, for his role in the Capitol riot, as documented in an extreme risk protection order background report filed by New York State Police in Clinton Court on Saturday. This pardon is now under scrutiny given the new allegations.
Moynihan is scheduled to appear back in court on Thursday to address the charges.
“Threats made against elected officials and members of the public will not be tolerated,” stated Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi. “We will pursue every available investigative and prosecutorial tool to hold responsible parties accountable, protect potential victims, and deter future violence.”
This case underscores the ongoing challenges of addressing the aftermath of the January 6th insurrection and the potential for individuals involved to engage in further acts of violence.
