Christopher Moynihan, a 35-year-old New York man pardoned by President Trump in January 2025 for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, has pleaded guilty to a new crime: second-degree aggravated harassment against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Key Details of the Threat
- What happened: Moynihan sent text messages vowing to “eliminate” Jeffries ahead of the Democrat’s speech at the Economic Club of New York. He wrote, “Hakeem Jeffries makes a speech in a few days in NYC I cannot allow this terrorist to live” and “Even if I am hated, he must be eliminated, I will kill him for the future.”
- Legal outcome: He pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor in Dutchess County, NY. Prosecutors dropped a felony terrorist threat charge as part of the deal.
- DA’s stance: Anthony Parisi emphasized that such threats “strike at the heart of public safety and our democratic system,” prioritizing accountability.
- Jeffries’ response: The congressman called the threat “credible” with “every intention to carry it out,” criticizing Trump’s pardons for releasing violent offenders who keep reoffending.
- Arrest and next steps: Cops took him into custody Sunday on high bail ($10K cash, $30K bond, or $80K partial). Court date: Thursday.
Jan. 6 Background
Moynihan was convicted in 2022 of obstructing Congress (a felony) plus misdemeanors for trespass and disorderly conduct. He served 21 months, paid $2K restitution, and got 3 years supervised release. Video showed him rifling through a senator’s desk in the evacuated Senate chamber, muttering, “There’s gotta be something in here we can f—ing use against these scumbags.” He entered after rioters breached the building, chanted with others like QAnon Shaman Jacob Chansley, and stayed until police forced him out. Trump pardoned him on his first day back in office (Jan. 20, 2025).
This case highlights ongoing fallout from Jan. 6 pardons, with officials stressing that threats against leaders aren’t protected speech. For full coverage, check Law&Crime or the Dutchess County DA’s release.
