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A Dutchess County man, Christopher P. Moynihan, is scheduled to appear in court today (October 23) in Clinton, New York, after being accused of threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Moynihan, 34, allegedly sent text messages on October 17 stating his intent to harm Jeffries, referring to him as a "terrorist" and expressing a desire to "eliminate" him for the future, according to a criminal complaint. Moynihan, who was previously pardoned by President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot, faces a felony charge of making a terroristic threat.
Moynihan's arrest follows a report from the FBI task force to the New York State Police, leading to his arraignment on Sunday (October 19) in a local court. He was remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center with bail options set at $10,000 cash, a $30,000 bond, or an $80,000 partially secured bond. The New York State Police were notified of the threat by the FBI, and Moynihan was arrested on Saturday (October 18).
House Minority Leader Jeffries expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their swift action, stating, "I am grateful to state and federal law enforcement for their swift and decisive action to apprehend a dangerous individual who made a credible death threat against me with every intention to carry it out." He also criticized the blanket pardon issued by Trump, which included Moynihan, arguing that it has led to further criminal activities by those pardoned.
Moynihan's previous conviction was for obstructing an official proceeding during the January 6 riot, where he breached police barricades and entered the Capitol. His arrest highlights ongoing concerns about political violence in the United States, with Jeffries emphasizing the need for vigilance against such threats. The case is currently under review by the Dutchess County District Attorney's office for legal and factual sufficiency.