A well-known Long Island business owner has been arrested and charged for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, CBS News reported.
Peter Moloney, 58, was charged in Washington D.C. with eight counts, including civil disorder and assaulting and resisting police officers. In an affidavit, an FBI special agent said that Moloney “did not simply march to the Capitol with other protestors. He brought protective eyewear, a helmet, and a can of Black Flag, Wasp, Hornet & Yellow Jacket Killer2.”
“This indicates that he went to the Capitol on January 6, 2021, prepared for violence,” the agent said.
Justice Department prosecutors say Moloney sprayed the insecticide “in the direction of police officers’ faces and bodies” as they fought off rioters. They also say he attacked a member of the news media “by grabbing onto his camera and pulling, causing him to stumble down the stairs.”
“Moloney then continues punching and shoving the member of the news media away from the West Plaza, with other rioters eventually pushing the member of the news media over a wall. The distinctive elements of Moloney’s attire that day (bicycle helmet, gaiter, eyewear, gloves) and the can of Black Flag, Wasp, Hornet & Yellow Jacket Killer2 are clearly visible in several of the screenshots,” court papers said.
Moloney owns a chain of funeral homes in Long Island. Moloney’s son accompanied his father to the Capitol on Jan. 6 but has not been charged with a crime. Moloney was identified about two years ago by the online group “Sedition Hunters.”
