A New York man who received a presidential pardon after participating in the January 6 Capitol riot has been charged with threatening to kill House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, according to CBS News.

Court filings show Christopher Moynihan, 34, was arrested last weekend after sending text messages describing his intent to “eliminate” Jeffries before the congressman’s scheduled speech at the Economic Club of New York on Monday. Investigators say Moynihan referred to Jeffries as a “terrorist” and claimed he would “kill him for the future.” He pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of making a terroristic threat and remains held at the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center.

The New York Times reports that state police made the arrest in cooperation with the FBI. Moynihan, who lives near Poughkeepsie, was arraigned in local court in Clinton, New York, and is awaiting another court appearance later this week. Authorities declined to release his booking photo or the agency’s full incident report.

Jeffries released a statement, “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 pardons that freed hundreds of individuals convicted in the Capitol riot, saying “many of the criminals released have committed additional crimes throughout the country. Unfortunately, our brave men and women in law enforcement are being forced to spend their time keeping our communities safe from these violent individuals who should never have been pardoned.”

Jeffries added, “It is the honor of my life to serve in Congress during these challenging times. Threats of violence will not stop us from showing up, standing up and speaking up for the American people.”

Court documents reviewed by The New York Times show that Moynihan had a history of minor offenses and substance abuse prior to his involvement in the 2021 attack. He was among the first to breach police barricades and enter the Senate chamber, where prosecutors said he rifled through papers on a senator’s desk. He was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison in 2023 after pleading guilty to obstruction and several misdemeanors before being pardoned earlier this year.

The new charges have reignited debate about political violence and accountability. Security officials say the number of threats against members of Congress continues to surge, with Capitol Police reporting more than 14,000 investigations already in 2025, surpassing last year’s total.