Imagine a pardoned participant of the January 6 Capitol chaos now accused of plotting violence against a top Democratic leader—shocking, yet here we are.
The Independent reported that Christopher Moynihan, a 34-year-old man pardoned by President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, was arrested Sunday by New York State Police for allegedly sending threatening texts targeting House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries during a scheduled speech in New York City.
Moynihan was among over 1,500 Trump supporters charged with crimes related to the Capitol breach, where one police officer lost his life, nearly 150 others were injured, and four individuals died from various causes, including a rioter shot by authorities.
It was a dark chapter, and Moynihan was right in the thick of it, one of the first to break through police barriers.
Prosecutors noted Moynihan’s brazen behavior during the riot, including rifling through a Senator’s desk while muttering about finding something to use against “these scumbags.”
That quote, cited by prosecutors during his sentencing, paints a picture of defiance, though one might argue it reflects the raw frustration many felt over perceived government overreach. Still, actions have consequences, and his did.
By August 2022, Moynihan was found guilty of obstructing an official proceeding and pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor charges. He was sentenced in February 2023 to 21 months in prison for his role in the attack.
A stiff penalty, though some might say it’s a small price for challenging the sanctity of our institutions—or a harsh one for a moment of misguided passion.
Fast forward to this year, and President Trump, upon returning to office in January, pardoned Moynihan along with hundreds of other January 6 participants, many convicted of violent acts against law enforcement.
This move stirred debate, with supporters cheering it as a correction of overzealous prosecution, while critics saw it as undermining accountability. The pardon gave Moynihan a second chance—but did he seize it?
Apparently not, as Moynihan was arrested Sunday in Clinton, a Hudson Valley town about two hours north of Manhattan. Allegedly, he sent chilling texts vowing to “eliminate” Hakeem Jeffries during the Congressman’s speech at the Economic Club of New York on Monday. This isn’t just tough talk; it’s a felony charge of making a terroristic threat, as announced by prosecutors.
One of the alleged texts reads, “Hakeem Jeffries makes a speech in a few days in NYC, I cannot allow this terrorist to live,” according to reports of Moynihan’s messages.
Call it what you will, but labeling a sitting Congressman with such a term feels like a dangerous overreach, even if one disagrees with Jeffries’ progressive policies. Words matter, especially in today’s heated climate.
Another message allegedly stated, “Even if I am hated, he must be eliminated; I will kill him for the future.” That’s not just rhetoric; it’s a direct threat, and one wonders what drives such hostility—frustration with the left’s agenda, perhaps, but violence is never the answer. The FBI has stepped in to investigate, as reported by CBS News, signaling the gravity of this accusation.
Moynihan now sits in the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center, with bail set at $10,000 cash, a $30,000 bond, or an $80,000 partially secured bond, per state police. He’s scheduled for his first court appearance on Thursday in Dutchess County. It’s a sobering turn for someone who already faced justice once before.
Interestingly, Moynihan is the first pardoned January 6 rioter to face charges for threatening a member of Congress, according to CBS News.
This raises questions about whether pardons for such high-profile cases might embolden some to cross lines again, though it’s unfair to paint all with the same brush. Each case deserves individual scrutiny.
Neither the White House nor Jeffries’ office has commented on the incident, despite outreach from The Independent. Their silence leaves room for speculation—perhaps they’re wisely avoiding inflaming an already tense situation. Or maybe they’re just as stunned as the rest of us.
This incident isn’t just about one man; it’s a reminder of the lingering divisions from January 6, 2021. While many on the right feel the government overreacted to that day, threatening violence against elected officials crosses a line no one should defend. It’s a call for cooler heads, even amidst passionate disagreement.
Some might argue that Moynihan’s actions stem from a deep distrust of a system pushing what they see as a radical left-wing agenda. Yet, if conservatives want to reclaim the moral high ground, it starts with rejecting violence and focusing on policy battles, not personal vendettas. Let’s hope this case serves as a wake-up call.