Threats Against Elected Officials: The Case of Christopher Moynihan

Christopher P. Moynihan, a 35-year-old man from New York who was previously pardoned by President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, pleaded guilty on Thursday to making death threats against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). Moynihan's plea included one count of aggravated harassment in the second degree, with the original charge of making a terrorist threat being downgraded. He has been sentenced to three years of probation, with a court date set for April 2, 2024.

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The threats were made via a text message sent in October while Moynihan was in Clinton, New York. He referenced an upcoming speech by Jeffries in New York City, stating, “Hakeem Jeffries makes a speech in a few days in NYC … I cannot allow this terrorist to live. … I will kill him for the future.” The New York State Police report, which was obtained by Reuters, highlighted the seriousness of the threats made against an elected official.

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Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi emphasized the importance of addressing threats against public officials, stating, “Threats against elected officials are not political speech; they are criminal acts that strike at the heart of public safety and our democratic system.” He noted that his office, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, ensured accountability and public safety in this case.

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Moynihan was among nearly 1,600 individuals who participated in the Capitol insurrection, which aimed to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden's electoral victory. In February 2023, he was sentenced to 21 months in prison for his actions during the riot. Following his release, he received a pardon from Trump, who issued a total of 1,500 pardons related to the January 6 events upon returning to the White House in January 2025.

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The pardoning of individuals involved in the Capitol riot has drawn criticism from various lawmakers. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) both expressed disapproval, stating that those who assault police officers should face appropriate consequences. Democrats have also voiced their concerns, with Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) labeling the January 6 incident as “among the most dangerous threats to the rule of law in America since our nation’s founding.” Schiff emphasized the need for vigilance against efforts to undermine democratic principles.

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While Moynihan's threats have been documented, there is ongoing debate regarding the appropriateness of pardoning individuals involved in violent acts against law enforcement during the Capitol riot. The differing opinions among lawmakers reflect a broader national conversation about accountability and the implications of the January 6 events.

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• “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

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• “It’s not right. People who assault police officers — if they do the crime, they should do the time.” — Jerry Moran, U.S. Senator (R-Kan.)

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• “We must never allow the truth of what happened five years ago today to be forgotten or rewritten and must remain ever vigilant against efforts to undermine the principle at the heart of our democracy — that every vote counts,” — Adam Schiff, U.S. Senator (D-Calif.)

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