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A man previously pardoned by President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol has been arrested again—this time for allegedly threatening to assassinate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

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According to court filings, the man is Christopher Moynihan, a 34-year-old from Clinton, New York.
Moynihan was convicted in August 2022 of obstructing an official proceeding for his role in the Capitol attack and sentenced in February 2023 to 21 months in prison.

On January 20, 2025—the first day of Trump’s second term—Moynihan was among roughly 1,500 January 6 defendants pardoned under a sweeping order issued by Trump.

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Moynihan has been arrested and charged with making terroristic threats after allegedly sending violent text messages targeting Hakeem Jeffries ahead of a scheduled public appearance in New York City.

Court documents reveal Moynihan allegedly wrote:

“I cannot allow this terrorist to live.”
“Even if I am hated, Jeffries must be eliminated. I will kill him for the future.”

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Authorities said the threats placed the recipient in “reasonable fear of the imminent murder and assassination of Hakeem Jeffries by the defendant.”

A temporary extreme-risk protection order has been issued against Moynihan, barring him from owning firearms or ammunition.

This arrest raises serious concerns about the broader implications of Trump’s mass pardons, as well as ongoing threats of political violence in the U.S.

• Accountability questions: Critics argue that the blanket pardons emboldened those involved in political violence.
• Safety concerns: Jeffries’ office confirmed that the threat was deemed credible by authorities.
• Lingering impact: More than four years after the Capitol attack, the fallout continues to shape politics, law enforcement, and national security discussions.

Timeline of Key Events

What Happens Next?

Moynihan is expected to appear in Dutchess County Court in New York to face felony charges of making terroristic threats.
If convicted, the charge carries significant prison time under New York State law.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about politically-motivated violence and the risks posed by individuals previously involved in the Capitol riot. It also reignites debate over presidential pardons, accountability, and the responsibility of political leaders in shaping public behavior.

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