CLINTON, N.Y. (AP) — Christopher P. Moynihan, a 35-year-old man from Pleasant Valley, New York, entered a guilty plea on Thursday to accusations of threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. This development comes a year after Moynihan was pardoned by then-President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
During a court hearing held in Clinton, New York, Moynihan acknowledged his guilt regarding a misdemeanor harassment charge, allowing him to avoid the original felony charge of making a terrorist threat. As part of his plea agreement, Moynihan is set to serve three years of probation, with sentencing scheduled for April 2.
The case against Moynihan stemmed from a threatening text message he sent in October about Jeffries’ scheduled public appearance in New York City. Allegations surfaced that Moynihan wrote in the message, “I cannot allow this terrorist to live,” and further asserted that Jeffries "must be eliminated," concluding with, “I will kill him for the future.” These statements were documented in a report compiled by a state police investigator.
Threats against public officials were condemned by Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi, who emphasized in a statement that such threats are not a matter of political discourse but rather serious criminal acts undermining public safety and democracy.
Moynihan's criminal history includes a sentence of nearly two years in prison for his participation in the January 6 Capitol riot. He was among many convicted rioters who received a presidential pardon on January 21, 2025, coinciding with Trump’s return to office. The pardons granted by Trump have been a subject of considerable public scrutiny and debate, especially regarding individuals who engaged in violent acts against the government.
Efforts to reach Moynihan’s public defender for comments on Thursday night were unsuccessful, as was communication with Moynihan himself, whose listed phone number was reportedly out of service. Additionally, a spokesperson for Hakeem Jeffries did not respond promptly to emails concerning the incident.
This case underscores the ongoing concerns about threats made against elected officials and the implications for political discourse in the United States. As political tensions remain high, the legal system continues to address such threats seriously, reflecting a broader commitment to safeguard democratic institutions and the safety of public figures.
Overall, Moynihan's case serves as a significant reminder of the repercussions of incendiary rhetoric in today's political climate and raises questions about accountability for actions that threaten the stability of public governance.
