In Clinton, New York, a man named Christopher P. Moynihan has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment, stemming from his threats against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. This plea comes a year after former President Donald Trump pardoned him for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Moynihan, 35, was accused of sending a text message that expressed his desire to kill Jeffries, stating, I cannot allow this terrorist to live and that Jeffries must be eliminated. These communications led to his initial charge of a felony, which was later reduced to the misdemeanor he accepted in court. His sentencing is scheduled for April 2, where he will also be placed on three years of probation.
The threats made by Moynihan are serious, with Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi highlighting that such actions are criminal offenses that threaten public safety and undermine democracy. The incident reflects ongoing issues regarding threats to public officials in the political climate of recent years.
Moynihan was previously sentenced to nearly two years in prison for his actions during the Capitol riots and was later pardoned on Trump's first day back in office in January 2025. A spokesperson for Jeffries has not yet commented on the recent guilty plea.
