Previously Cleared Capitol Siege Participant Faces New Charges for Threatening Top House Democrat
Christopher Moynihan, a participant in the infamous Capitol invasion who later received a presidential pardon, has been arrested due to threats he made against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The threats were made through text messages, in which Moynihan expressed his intention to "eliminate" Jeffries during a public event in New York City. Moynihan reportedly wrote, "I can’t let this terrorist live," referring to Jeffries.
The Threats Against a Politician
In his messages, Moynihan made his violent intentions clear, stating, "Even if I am hated, he must be eliminated, I will kill him for the future." As a result of these threatening messages, Moynihan now faces a felony charge for making a terroristic threat.
As of now, a defense attorney has not been assigned to Moynihan, according to his father, who declined to comment further on the case. Moynihan is expected to make his first court appearance in the case in Dutchess County, New York.
Background on the Accused
Moynihan was one of the Capitol invaders who received a pardon from President Trump, along with over 1,500 other insurgents. This clemency was given shortly after the former President returned to the White House. Prior to this, Moynihan was found guilty of obstructing an official proceeding and pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor charges. He was sentenced to 21 months in prison.
- Moynihan was among the first to breach police barricades and enter the Capitol grounds during the riot.
- He was part of a smaller group that entered the Senate floor during the siege.
- While inside, Moynihan examined a notebook on a Senator's desk, looking for something to use against the politicians.
- He participated in chanting and shouting from the Senate dais and only vacated the chamber when forced out by the police.
New Arrest Details
The arrest for Moynihan's threats to Jeffries was carried out by New York State Police. He was brought before the court in Clinton, a town in New York's Hudson Valley region. The Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center is currently holding Moynihan in lieu of a $10,000 cash bail, a $30,000 bond, or an $80,000 partially secured bond.
While Moynihan is not the first pardoned participant in the Capitol riot to face new charges, he is the first to be charged with making a violent threat against a member of Congress.
Concerns Over Pardon Recidivism
Many have expressed concerns over the potential for those pardoned for their involvement in the Capitol riot to commit further crimes. Such concerns seem justified, as several pardoned individuals have since been arrested for various infractions since the siege.
The threats against Jeffries are part of a growing trend of threats against legislators. The Capitol Police reported that the number of threat investigations in 2025 had surpassed 14,000, exceeding the total for all of 2024. The Capitol riot resulted in injuries to over 140 police officers, millions in damages to the Capitol complex, and the evacuation of Congress to a secure location.