The Long Island funeral-home co-owner charged Wednesday in connection with the Jan. 6 riot, is now on administrative leave, according to a company statement.
Peter Moloney, a principal of Moloney Family Funeral Homes, was charged with assaulting police officers and other felony charges. On Wednesday, in federal court in Central Islip, he agreed to face those charges in Washington.
“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 Killer,” an FBI agent stated in an affidavit. “This indicates that he went to the Capitol on January 6, 2021, prepared for violence.”
On Thursday, Moloney Funeral Homes released a statement revealing that Dan Moloney, president of the funeral home chain, had placed Peter Maloney on administrative leave.
“He will have no day-to-day affiliation with the company and its operations,” according to the statement. “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.”
“He is presumed to be innocent under the Constitution of the United States of America,” Edward Heilig, one of Moloney’s attorneys, said, according to Newsday. “He has yet to be brought before a court for arraignment, so up until then, there is no entering of a plea. He maintains his innocence.”
After the arrest on Wednesday, Dan Moloney put out a statement: “For over 90 years the Moloney family has served our neighbors during their most trying times and has a long and proud history of supporting the law enforcement and first responder communities. The alleged actions taken by an individual on his own time are in no way reflective of the core values of Moloney Funeral Home, which is dedicated to earning and maintaining the trust of all members of the community of every race, religion and nationality.”
Another funeral home employee, whom officials are calling “Colleague 1” was with Peter Moloney during the Jan. 6 riots, but has not been charged with a crime, records show.
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