A Pennsylvania man with ties to the January 6 Capitol riots has been taken into custody after allegedly making terrifying death threats against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, according to federal court documents.
Violent Threats Target Democratic Leader
Sean Michael McHugh, 35, from Auburn, Pennsylvania, stands accused of leaving a series of menacing voicemails at Jeffries' congressional office, containing explicit threats against the Democratic politician's life. The threats reportedly included chilling promises to "put a bullet in" the congressman.
Court filings reveal McHugh allegedly stated: "We're going to get you. We're going to come and kill you." The threats emerged during the FBI's ongoing investigation into participants of the January 6 Capitol breach.
Digital Footprint Leads to Arrest
Federal investigators connected McHugh to the threats through meticulous digital forensic work, matching the phone number used for the threatening calls to devices registered in his name. The timing of the threats coincided with McHugh's known presence in Washington DC during the Capitol unrest.
Evidence presented to the court includes:
- Multiple threatening voicemails left at Jeffries' office
- Phone records placing McHugh in Washington during January 6
- Social media activity showing support for riot participants
- Financial records indicating travel to DC around the time of the insurrection
Pattern of Political Violence Concerns
This case highlights growing concerns about political violence targeting elected officials. Jeffries, who represents New York's 8th congressional district, has emerged as a prominent Democratic voice since becoming House Minority Leader in 2023.
Legal experts note this arrest demonstrates the Justice Department's continued pursuit of January 6 participants nearly three years after the Capitol attack. McHugh now faces federal charges for transmitting interstate threats, which could carry significant prison time if convicted.
The case continues to develop as investigators examine whether McHugh acted alone or as part of broader networks targeting political figures. Court proceedings are expected to begin in the coming weeks as the Department of Justice builds its case against the alleged threat-maker.
