New York Man Arrested After Threatening House Minority Leader

A man from New York, who was pardoned by President Trump for his involvement in the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot, was arrested on Sunday. He is suspected of threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, as reported by New York State Police.

Police revealed that Christopher Moynihan, 34, was taken into custody due to alleged terrorist threats, which is a serious offense. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force first alerted state police about the threat.

According to court documents, the FBI received an anonymous tip expressing concern over Moynihan’s comments. It’s reported that he wrote: “Hakeem Jeffries will be speaking in New York in the next few days. I cannot let this terrorist live. Even if I am hated, he must be removed.” Jeffries is scheduled to speak at the Economic Club of New York on Monday.

State police noted in their announcement that Moynihan was arrested following a comprehensive investigation. He is currently being held at the Dutchess County Judicial Transition Center and is expected to appear in court on Thursday.

Moynihan had previously faced six charges, including disorderly conduct, for his role in the January 6 riot, where he, along with a crowd, breached police lines while protesting the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. He received a 21-month prison sentence for these actions.

His lawyers indicated that Moynihan struggles with opiate addiction, and a judge recommended substance abuse and mental health treatment during his sentence.

The indictment referenced by NBC News noted that the individual who tipped off the FBI was concerned about Moynihan’s potential for drug abuse and violent tendencies.

This latest arrest comes a year and seven months after Moynihan was released from federal custody. President Trump had commuted the sentences of over 1,000 individuals involved in the Capitol riot, Moynihan included.