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Clinton Today
By the People, for the People
Man Pardoned for Capitol Riot Pleads Guilty to Threatening Congressman
Christopher P. Moynihan agreed to serve 3 years of probation for threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:47pm
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A New York man named Christopher P. Moynihan, who was previously pardoned by former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, has pleaded guilty to threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Moynihan agreed to serve 3 years of probation as part of the plea deal.
Why it matters
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing free speech and political expression with threats and violence against elected officials. It also raises questions about the use of presidential pardons and whether they should extend to those who make threats against lawmakers.
The details
Moynihan, a 35-year-old from Pleasant Valley, New York, was originally charged with a felony for making a terrorist threat after he allegedly sent a text message in October 2025 saying he "cannot allow this terrorist to live" and that Jeffries "must be eliminated" and "I will kill him for the future." Moynihan pleaded guilty to a lesser misdemeanor harassment charge as part of the plea deal.
- In January 2025, Moynihan was among hundreds of convicted Capitol rioters who were pardoned by former President Donald Trump on his first day back in the White House.
- On October 2025, Moynihan allegedly sent the threatening text messages about Congressman Hakeem Jeffries.
- On February 6, 2026, Moynihan pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor harassment charge and agreed to 3 years of probation.
The players
Christopher P. Moynihan
A 35-year-old man from Pleasant Valley, New York who was previously pardoned by former President Donald Trump for his role in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and has now pleaded guilty to threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Hakeem Jeffries
The House Minority Leader, a Democratic Congressman from New York who was allegedly threatened by Christopher P. Moynihan.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States who pardoned Christopher P. Moynihan and hundreds of other convicted Capitol rioters in January 2025.
What they’re saying
“Threats against elected officials are not political speech, they are criminal acts that strike at the heart of public safety and our democratic system.”
— Anthony Parisi, Dutchess County District Attorney
What’s next
Moynihan's sentencing is scheduled for April 2, 2026 where the judge will determine the terms of his 3-year probation.
The takeaway
This case underscores the ongoing tensions between free speech, political expression, and threats against elected officials. It also raises concerns about the use of presidential pardons and whether they should extend to those who make threats against lawmakers, even if they were previously convicted for other crimes related to the Capitol attack.
