A man who received clemency from President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot was arrested last week for allegedly threatening to kill House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY).
Christopher Moynihan, previously convicted for breaching the Senate floor during the riot, was apprehended by New York State Police on October 19, following a “thorough investigation” that began with an anonymous tip to the FBI.
Details of the Alleged Threat
According to court records, the FBI’s tipster reported that on October 17, Moynihan “made statements regarding the assassination of Congressman Hakeem Jeffries” and planned to execute the attack “in a few days” while the Democratic leader was in New York.
The source reportedly told the FBI that Moynihan cited “the future” as the motivation for the plot and expressed concern about his alleged drug abuse and increasing “homicidal ideations.” Investigators also indicated they had information suggesting Moynihan owned or had access to a firearm.
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Moynihan faces a charge of making a terroristic threat against a member of Congress.
Following the arrest, Representative Jeffries issued a statement praising the swift action of state and federal authorities. However, he also lamented the initial pardon that dismissed Moynihan’s Jan. 6 case.
“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,” Jeffries stated.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) responded to the threat against Jeffries, calling it “terrible.”
“Anybody who threatens to kill any political official, we denounce it absolutely,” Johnson told reporters. “Anybody, anybody who threatens political violence against elected officials or anyone else, should be having [the] full weight and measure of Department of Justice on their head. I trust that will happen. I hope it will.”
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