Trump-pardoned Capitol rioter arrested for threatening to 'eliminate' Hakeem Jeffries

CLINTON, NEW YORK: A man pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot was arrested on Saturday, October 18, for reportedly threatening to kill Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

New York State Police identified the suspect as Christopher Moynihan, 34, of Clinton, New York.

He was taken into custody on a felony charge of making terroristic threats after the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force alerted local authorities about his alleged plan.

Moynihan allegedly wanted to kill Jeffries 'for the future'

State police reportedly said they were notified on Saturday that Moynihan had made threats to kill a member of Congress. 

Moynihan allegedly sent text messages stating that he intended to "eliminate" Jeffries during a public event in New York City.

One message reportedly read:

"Hakeem Jeffries makes a speech in a few days in NYC I cannot allow this terrorist to live... Even if I am hated, he must be eliminated, I will kill him for the future."

Following a thorough investigation, Moynihan was arrested and arraigned in Clinton.

Though police did not immediately identify the target, Jeffries confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that he was the intended victim.

"I am grateful to state and federal law enforcement for their swift and decisive action to apprehend a dangerous individual who made a credible death threat against me with every intention to carry it out," Jeffries wrote on X.

Court documents said the reported texts "placed the recipient in reasonable fear of the imminent murder and assassination of Hakeem Jeffries by the defendant."

Moynihan was ordered held in lieu of $10,000 cash bail, a $30,000 bond, or a partially secured $80,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Jeffries slams reckless pardons by Trump

In his statement, Jeffries noted that Moynihan was among the more than 1,500 people involved in the reported Capitol attack who were granted pardons or commutations by Trump early in his second term.

"Since the blanket pardon that occurred earlier this year, many of the criminals released have committed additional crimes throughout the country," Jeffries said. 

"Unfortunately, our brave men and women in law enforcement are being forced to spend their time keeping our communities safe from these violent individuals who should never have been pardoned," he added.

The progressive watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) reported in June that at least ten Trump-pardoned Capitol rioters have since been re-arrested or charged with other crimes.

Moynihan’s Capitol riot conviction

According to court records, Moynihan was convicted in August 2022 of obstructing an official proceeding.

This was the congressional certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. He also reportedly pleaded guilty to several related misdemeanors.

Prosecutors said Moynihan reportedly breached security on the east side of the Capitol, entered the Senate gallery, and rifled through documents on a senator's desk while also reportedly taking pictures on his phone.

He was sentenced in February 2023 to 21 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release and a $2,000 restitution payment.

Jeffries condemned the growing threats against public officials, while vowing not to be intimidated.

"It is the honor of my life to serve in Congress during these challenging times," he said.

"Threats of violence will not stop us from showing up, standing up, and speaking up for the American people," he concluded.