Pardoned Capitol Rioter Threatens to Kill Hakeem Jeffries at NYC Event

A former Capitol rioter, Christopher Moynihan, was arrested for threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. This incident occurred shortly before Jeffries was scheduled to speak in New York City. Court documents indicate that Moynihan aimed to “eliminate” Jeffries during the event.

Pardoned Rioter’s Threat and Arrest

Moynihan was arrested on Sunday, just a day before Jeffries’ scheduled appearance at the Economic Club of New York. In text messages, Moynihan expressed his intentions, stating, “I cannot allow this terrorist to live.” He elaborated, saying, “Even if I am hated, he must be eliminated, I will kill him for the future.”

Charges and Legal Proceedings

• Moynihan faces a felony charge of making a terroristic threat.
• He is expected to appear in court in Dutchess County, New York.
• His father declined to comment on the situation, and Moynihan has not yet secured a defense attorney.

This incident comes after Moynihan was pardoned by former President Trump nine months ago, along with over 1,500 others involved in the Capitol riot. Notably, Moynihan was previously convicted for obstructing an official proceeding and is described as one of the first rioters to breach police barriers on January 6, 2021.

Background on the Capitol Riot

The Capitol riot resulted in significant injuries—over 140 police officers were harmed—and caused extensive damage to the Capitol complex. It interrupted the certification of the 2020 electoral votes and required lawmakers to evacuate for their safety. This event has since been marked by rising instances of threats against public officials.

Growing Threats Against Legislators

The alleged threat against Jeffries highlights a troubling trend, with over 14,000 threat investigations reported by Capitol Police in 2025 alone. This number exceeds all threat cases from the previous year.

Moynihan’s recent arrest is not an isolated incident. Other pardoned Capitol rioters have faced renewed legal troubles, prompting concerns about the implications of the pardons granted by Trump.

The case underscores ongoing issues of accountability and the potential for recidivism among those involved in the January 6 events.