A man involved in the January 6 riot, who received a pardon from President Trump, has been charged with making threats against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. This incident occurred over the weekend, where authorities reported that Christopher Moynihan, 34, sent messages indicating he intended to kill the congressman during an event in New York City.
According to New York State Police, Moynihan warned in a text on Friday, “Hakeem Jeffries will be speaking in New York in the next few days. We cannot let this terrorist live.” The criminal complaint highlights the seriousness of his threats.
He also allegedly stated, “Even if he hates me, he has to be eliminated. I will kill him for the sake of the future.” Following these revelations, Moynihan was taken into custody and now faces charges for making terroristic threats as Jeffries was scheduled to speak at the Economic Club of New York shortly after.
In a statement, Jeffries expressed gratitude toward law enforcement for their prompt response, describing them as having acted swiftly against a “dangerous individual” who had credible threats against him. He remarked on the troubling trend of some that have been released from incarceration since the blanket amnesty this year often committing further offenses.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve in Congress during this difficult time,” Jeffries stated, emphasizing that such threats would not deter him from fulfilling his duties to the American public.
Moynihan previously received one of roughly 1,500 “full, complete and unconditional pardons” related to the Capitol riot. Among 1,583 defendants indicted for their roles on January 6, about 600 faced charges for resisting or assaulting police. Allegations indicate that Moynihan was among the first to breach the Capitol, even entering the Senate chamber and handling documents on senators’ desks, for which he was sentenced to 21 months in prison.
House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the threats but refrained from criticizing Trump’s pardons. “We don’t know any details of this. We don’t know who is alleged to be involved in this,” he commented, asserting that anyone who threatens violence against public officials should be held accountable. “I believe it will happen and I hope it will happen,” he added, indicating a desire for consistent accountability in such matters.
