Dutchess County Man Charged with Threatening Hakeem Jeffries

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A man from Dutchess County, New York, Christopher Moynihan, has been arrested and charged with making a terroristic threat against House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Authorities allege that Moynihan, who was previously pardoned by President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, sent threatening messages indicating his intent to assassinate Jeffries.

Moynihan, 34, allegedly sent texts on October 17 stating, "I will kill him for the future" and "Hakeem Jeffries makes a speech in a few days in NYC I cannot allow this terrorist to live." These messages led to his arrest by New York State Police after being alerted by the FBI.

Moynihan was remanded to the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center with bail set at $10,000 cash, a $30,000 bond, or an $80,000 partially secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday (October 23).

ABC News reports that Jeffries expressed gratitude for the swift action by law enforcement and highlighted the ongoing issue of political violence in the country. Moynihan's arrest marks the first time a pardoned Capitol rioter has been charged with alleged political violence.

The incident underscores concerns about threats to lawmakers, with the Capitol Police reportedly handling approximately 14,000 threat assessment cases this year. As the situation develops, Jeffries and other officials call for more decisive action to address political violence nationwide.


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