Ex-owner of LI funeral home pleads guilty to Jan. 6 assault charges

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

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

Moloney attended the “Stop the Steal” rally to support then-President Donald Trump, officials said. Moloney brought to the rally a bicycle helmet, protective eyewear, hard-knuckled gloves, a face mask and a spray can of Black Flag Wasp, Hornet, & Yellow Jacket Killer. 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 part of the first group to enter the restricted perimeter. Moloney was one of the first to line up against a line of U.S. Capitol police officers on the West Plaza.

According to court documents, as tensions rose, Moloney pulled the can of wasp spray from his backpack and kept it in close proximity. Officials say that on multiple occasions, Moloney held the can of wasp spray in his hands, aimed it at police, and sprayed at the officers’ hands, arms, bodies and heads.

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

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

The FBI had arrested Moloney in June of 2023. Seven months later, his interest in the family business transferred hands, under a mutual agreement.

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