Former Capitol Rioter Pardoned by Trump Now Facing Charges for Threatening Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries

Trump issued pardons to nearly all individuals criminally charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot.

Washington:

A January 6 rioter who received a pardon from US President Donald Trump has been charged with making death threats against House of Representatives Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, according to court documents.

Christopher Moynihan, 34, allegedly sent threatening text messages regarding an upcoming appearance by Jeffries, who represents New York's 8th congressional district, at an event in New York City. The felony complaint, filed in New York state court in Clinton on Saturday, does not identify who received these threatening messages.

According to the complaint, the text messages stated: "Hakeem Jeffries makes a speech in a few days in NYC, I cannot allow this terrorist to live. ... Even if I am hated, he must be eliminated. ... I will kill him for the future."

The messages were reportedly sent on Friday.

"These text messages placed the recipient in reasonable fear of the imminent murder and assassination of Hakeem Jeffries by the defendant," the complaint stated.

Moynihan had previously been sentenced to 21 months in prison in February 2023 on charges including obstruction of an official proceeding, a felony. He was among approximately 1,590 individuals charged in connection with the storming of the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters attempting to prevent the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's 2020 presidential election victory.

Trump pardoned nearly all individuals criminally charged for participating in the January 6, 2021 attack, demonstrating solidarity with supporters who backed his false claims about the 2020 election outcome.

Jeffries' office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The current charge against Moynihan - making a terroristic threat - is classified as a Class D felony according to the complaint.