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Authorities have announced the arrest of a 34-year-old man who threatened to kill a top Democrat in Congress.

Getting into it: According to authorities, Christopher Moynihan, 34, was arrested in the town of Clinton, New York, and charged with making a terroristic threat after allegedly threatening to assassinate House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The arrest followed a series of alarming text messages Moynihan allegedly sent in advance of Jeffries’ scheduled speech in New York City, including one that read, “I cannot allow this terrorist to live,” and another stating, “Even if I am hated, he must be eliminated. I will kill him for the future.”

The FBI launched the investigation after receiving an anonymous tip warning of Moynihan’s suspected narcotics abuse and growing homicidal ideation. Once alerted, New York State Police conducted a thorough investigation and arrested Moynihan over the weekend. He was arraigned in local court, and the case is now under review by the Dutchess County District Attorney’s office, which said it had not been consulted during the initial stages of the investigation but will evaluate the case for legal and factual sufficiency.

Moynihan has a notable history. He was among the first to breach police barricades on January 6 at the US Capitol and was later convicted of several federal charges, including obstruction of an official proceeding. In February 2023, he was sentenced to 21 months in prison but was released early following a Supreme Court ruling and subsequently received a full, unconditional pardon from President Trump on January 20, 2025, as part of a blanket pardon issued to over 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants.

At his arraignment, a judge set bail at $10,000 cash, $30,000 bond, or a partially secured bond of $80,000. Moynihan has not posted bail and remains in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.