One of the individuals behind a chain of funeral homes on Long Island in New York has been put on administrative leave at that family company after his recent arrest for participating in the Capitol riot in early 2021 that was inspired by Trump’s election lies.
The defendant is Peter Moloney, who prosecutors alleged used anti-wasp spray against police at multiple points after joining the violent crowd and joined physical confrontations with individuals who Trump supporters believed to be media workers. His federal charges cover both sets of claimed actions, including an allegation of assault by striking and the charge of assaulting police that has repeatedly emerged in Capitol riot cases.
Journalist Ryan Reilly with NBC distributed a statement that said Dan Moloney, who was identified as the president of the Moloney family funeral home business, had put Peter on administrative leave following his arrest. Peter was identified in media reports as a co-owner of the business. The statement asserted that Peter Moloney would not have any role in the business’s operations for the near future.
It’s not the first time that a local business has figured prominently in the stories of individual rioters. There was also Pauline Bauer, who owned a local pizza shop for the better part of two decades before her recent sentencing to just over two years in prison. While participating in the Capitol attack, Bauer had yelled about wanting to commit evident physical violence against Nancy Pelosi, who was then the House Speaker. During her proceedings, Bauer seemingly aligned herself with conspiracy theories asserting she was generally free from obligations under U.S. law.
As for the Moloney business, the statement posted by Reilly said: “We hold the United States Constitution and the law enforcement community in the highest regard, and we will not allow his actions on January 6 to distract us from our everyday focus on providing care and comfort for families during their most difficult times.” Peter Moloney’s identification as a member of the rioting crowd at the Capitol on that fateful day had been public for two years before his arrest. His charges, also including the felony offense of civil disorder, are serious and could result in a lengthier prison sentence.
Jan. 6 defendant Peter Moloney is on administrative leave from Moloney Funeral Homes, which says it holds “the United States Constitution and the law enforcement community in the highest regard, and we will not allow his actions on January 6 to distract us.” pic.twitter.com/Uy1wxDi7lk
— Ryan J. Reilly (@ryanjreilly) June 8, 2023
