Pardoned Capitol rioter arrested for allegedly threatening to kill top Democrat

October 21, 2025

Christopher Moynihan, a 34-year-old previously pardoned by Donald Trump for his role in the 2021 Capitol riot, has been arrested for allegedly planning to assassinate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. According to court documents, Moynihan made explicit threats in text messages, writing that Jeffries "must be eliminated" and that he "cannot allow this terrorist to live. " Jeffries expressed gratitude to law enforcement for apprehending "a dangerous individual who made a credible death threat" against him.

Who is affected

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who was the target of the alleged assassination plot
Christopher Moynihan, who has been arrested and charged with making terroristic threats
Law enforcement officers who must handle threats from pardoned rioters
The broader political community in a context of increasing political violence
US Capitol riot defendants who were pardoned by President Trump

What action is being taken

New York State Police have arrested Christopher Moynihan for making terroristic threats
Moynihan is being held in a facility in Poughkeepsie
Law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the threat against Jeffries
Police and federal agents are working to keep communities safe from political violence
Authorities are monitoring other pardoned rioters who have been arrested on new charges

Why it matters

The incident highlights concerns about political violence in the United States
It raises questions about the consequences of pardoning individuals involved in the Capitol riot
The targeting of a high-profile Democratic leader who could become Speaker demonstrates ongoing political tensions
This case connects to a pattern of political violence that has turned deadly in recent months
It illustrates the ongoing security challenges faced by political figures in the current climate

What's next

Moynihan is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday
No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC