Man Pleads Guilty to Threat Against House Minority Leader Jeffries

Sat Feb 07 2026 11:34:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

After a year out of prison, Christopher Moynihan admitted to sending threats against Hakeem Jeffries. This incident raises questions about public safety and political discourse.

Christopher Moynihan, 35, from Pleasant Valley, NY, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor harassment after sending a threatening text about House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. He has agreed to three years of probation. Moynihan previously faced charges related to the January 6 Capitol riot but was pardoned by former President Trump. Dutchess County District Attorney emphasized that threats against politicians are serious crimes that undermine democracy.

CLINTON, N.Y. (AP) — A New York man accused of threatening to kill House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pleaded guilty Thursday, a year after President Donald Trump pardoned him for storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Christopher P. Moynihan, 35, also agreed to serve three years of probation. During a hearing in Clinton, NY, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor harassment charge, with sentencing set for April 2.

Moynihan was accused of sending a text message in October, expressing violent intentions toward Jeffries. Reports state he expressed a desire to 'eliminate' Jeffries, indicating a serious threat against the elected official.

Originally charged with making a terrorist threat, Moynihan's plea deal reflects the continuing concerns about the safety of public figures. Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi highlighted that threats against elected officials undermine democracy and public safety.

This follows Moynihan's previous sentence related to the Capitol riots, showing a pattern of criminal behavior despite earlier pardons. A spokesperson for Jeffries has not commented on the plea yet.