Former Capitol Rioter Arrested After Threatening House Minority Leader

Wed Oct 22 2025 04:37:29 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Christopher P. Moynihan, whose Capitol riot convictions were pardoned by Trump, has been arrested for making credible threats against Hakeem Jeffries.

Christopher P. Moynihan, previously pardoned for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, has been arrested for sending death threats against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The threats were communicated via text, leading to Moynihan's felony charge. Jeffries praised law enforcement for swiftly addressing the matter and condemned the pardons that allowed individuals like Moynihan to threaten public safety.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Christopher P. Moynihan, whose convictions for storming the U.S. Capitol were wiped out by President Donald Trump's mass pardons, was arrested on charges of threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Authorities allege that Moynihan sent a text message expressing hostility towards Jeffries, stating, I cannot allow this terrorist to live.’ He further emphasized that Jeffries ‘must be eliminated’ and remarked, ‘I will kill him for the future,’ according to police reports.

Moynihan, 34, who is from Clinton, New York, faces a felony count for making a terroristic threat. Details about representation were unclear as efforts to contact him and his family went unanswered.

Previously, he served 21 months in prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, siege on the Capitol and was one of many rioters pardoned by Trump on his first day back in the White House.

Jeffries expressed gratitude to investigators for their rapid response to apprehend a dangerous individual and emphasized the challenge faced by law enforcement in managing threats from those previously pardoned.

House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned all forms of violence, urging legal consequences for those who threaten public officials.

New York State Police received notification of the threat through an FBI task force and Moynihan was swiftly arraigned in Dutchess County, with a court date set for Thursday.

District Attorney Anthony Parisi reiterated that threats against elected officials will not be tolerated, stressing a commitment to public safety.

During the January 6 Capitol riots, Moynihan was noted to have breached police barricades and entered the Senate chamber, provoking chaos until law enforcement intervened.

In court, he was convicted of obstructing the Congress session to certify Joe Biden’s presidential victory as well as several other counts related to the riot.