Capitol Rioter Arrested for Threatening House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:05:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Christopher P. Moynihan, a pardoned Capitol rioter, faces new felony charges after threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The threats reflect ongoing issues of political violence and the consequences of past pardons.

Christopher P. Moynihan, whose convictions for participating in the January 6 Capitol riot were pardoned by former President Trump, has been arrested after allegedly threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries via text message. Moynihan's comments, considered credible threats, have raised serious concerns about continued political violence and the implications of pardoning individuals for their roles in the Capitol attack. Law enforcement officials are taking the threats seriously, with investigations underway.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Christopher P. Moynihan, who had his Capitol riot convictions erased by President Donald Trump's mass pardons, has been arrested for threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Moynihan is accused of sending a text message stating that Jeffries, a New York Democrat, would be making a speech in New York City this week. He reportedly wrote, “I cannot allow this terrorist to live,” and added that Jeffries “must be eliminated.” This led to a felony charge of making a terroristic threat against him.

The 34-year-old from Clinton, New York, had previously been sentenced to 21 months in prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He received a pardon from Trump on the first day of his return to the presidency.

Jeffries expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their swift action, emphasizing the threat posed by individuals who should not have been pardoned.

House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned violence against elected officials and stated that those who threaten should be held accountable.

Following the threats, the New York State Police were notified by an FBI task force, leading to Moynihan's arraignment in local court. His next court date is scheduled for Thursday.

Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi stated that threats against public officials would not be tolerated, reiterating the serious implications of political violence.