Listen to the article
A New York man who received a pardon from President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot has pleaded guilty to threatening the life of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Christopher P. Moynihan, 35, of Pleasant Valley, New York, entered his guilty plea Thursday to a misdemeanor harassment charge in Clinton town court. The plea agreement includes three years of probation, with sentencing scheduled for April 2.
Moynihan was initially facing more serious charges. Court documents show he was originally charged with making a terrorist threat, a felony, but ultimately pleaded to a reduced charge.
According to a state police investigator’s report, Moynihan sent alarming text messages to another person in October regarding Jeffries’ scheduled appearance in New York City. The messages contained explicit threats, including statements that Jeffries “must be eliminated” and that Moynihan “cannot allow this terrorist to live.” He also texted, “I will kill him for the future,” according to police documents.
“Threats against elected officials are not political speech, they are criminal acts that strike at the heart of public safety and our democratic system,” said Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi in a statement following the plea.
This case has drawn particular attention because Moynihan was among the hundreds of January 6 Capitol rioters who received presidential pardons from Donald Trump upon his return to the White House in January 2025. Before the pardon, Moynihan had been sentenced to nearly two years in prison for his participation in the Capitol attack.
The threats against Jeffries, a prominent Democrat from New York who serves as the minority leader in the House of Representatives, come amid ongoing concerns about political violence and threats against elected officials. In recent years, law enforcement agencies have reported a significant increase in threats against members of Congress from both parties.
Neither Moynihan’s public defender nor Jeffries’ office responded to requests for comment when contacted Thursday night. Attempts to reach Moynihan directly were unsuccessful, as contact information in public records was either non-responsive or out of service.
The case highlights the continuing political tensions in the aftermath of the 2021 Capitol riot. While Trump’s mass pardon of January 6 participants was celebrated by supporters as correcting what they viewed as political persecution, critics have expressed concern that it might embolden some individuals to engage in further threatening behavior.
Political violence and threats against elected officials have become increasingly concerning to law enforcement in recent years. According to data from the U.S. Capitol Police, threats against members of Congress have increased dramatically over the past decade, with thousands of cases investigated annually.
The guilty plea comes as the nation continues to grapple with political polarization and questions about how to protect democratic institutions and the individuals who serve in them, while respecting constitutional rights to free speech and political expression.
Moynihan’s case also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in deterring threats against public officials, particularly in cases where individuals have previously been involved in political violence and received pardons for their actions.
The three-year probation period Moynihan faces will likely include restrictions on his activities and communications, though specific terms will be finalized at his April sentencing hearing.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
This is a concerning case that highlights the ongoing challenges of political extremism and violence in the US. While I’m glad the individual was held accountable, it’s troubling that he had previously been pardoned for his role in the Capitol riot. We need to address the root causes of this kind of behavior.
While I’m glad the justice system is holding this individual accountable, the fact that he was previously pardoned for his role in the Capitol riot is troubling. We need to address the root causes of this kind of extremist behavior and ensure that those who engage in political violence face appropriate consequences.
Threats against elected officials, regardless of political affiliation, are a serious threat to our democratic institutions. I’m glad to see the perpetrator being held accountable, but it’s concerning that he was previously pardoned for his involvement in the Capitol riot. We need to remain vigilant in protecting our elected representatives and the integrity of our political process.
Threats against public officials cannot be tolerated, no matter the political affiliation or motivations. I’m glad to see the justice system taking this seriously and holding the perpetrator accountable. Maintaining the integrity of our democratic institutions is crucial.
This is a troubling incident that highlights the continued threat of political violence in the US. While free speech is important, making direct threats against elected officials crosses a line and undermines our democratic institutions. The guilty plea and probation sentence seem appropriate.
Threats against elected leaders are a serious matter that should be dealt with swiftly and firmly. I’m glad the perpetrator was charged and pled guilty, even if the initial charges were reduced. Protecting our democratic process and elected representatives is vital for a functioning society.
It’s good to see the justice system holding this individual accountable for his threats against a member of Congress. Threatening violence against public officials is never acceptable, regardless of political affiliation or past actions. Hopefully this serves as a warning to others considering similar behavior.
This is a concerning incident that highlights the ongoing challenges of political violence and extremism in the US. While I’m glad to see the perpetrator being held accountable, the fact that he was previously pardoned for his role in the Capitol riot is troubling. We need to address the root causes of this kind of behavior and ensure that those who engage in political violence face appropriate consequences.