Former LI funeral home owner pleads guilty to Jan. 6 assault charges

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The former co-owner of a Long Island funeral home pleaded guilty Thursday in federal court in Washington, D.C., to two assault charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol, reports said. those responsible.

Peter Moloney of Bayport, former co-owner of Moloney Family Funeral Homes, pleaded guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting and obstructing certain officers and a misdemeanor charge of assault, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office .

Moloney attended the “Stop the Steal” rally in support of then-President Donald Trump, officials said. Moloney brought to the rally a bicycle helmet, safety glasses, hard gloves, a face mask and a can of Black Flag Wasp, Hornet and Yellow Jacket Killer spray. After the rally, according to court documents, Moloney walked toward the U.S. Capitol building via the Maryland Walkway, put on his gear and was among the first group to enter the restricted area. Moloney was one of the first to line up against a line of U.S. Capitol police officers in the West Plaza.

According to court documents, as tensions rose, Moloney took the wasp bomb out of his backpack and kept it nearby. Officials say that on several occasions, Moloney held the wasp spray in his hands, pointed it at police and sprayed it on the officers’ hands, arms, bodies and heads.

Moloney also admitted to assaulting two people he thought were members of the media, damaging the camera of one individual who, during the assault, had tripped down a flight of stairs.

Moloney agreed to pay compensation to both the victim for repairs to his camera and to the Architect of the Capitol for damage caused to the U.S. Capitol that day, as part of his plea deal.

The FBI arrested Moloney in June 2023. Seven months later, his stake in the family business was transferred, by mutual agreement.

Moloney is due back in court for sentencing on February 11, 2025.