Former owner of LI funeral home pleads guilty to assault on January 6th

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

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

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

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

Moloney also admitted to attacking two people he believed to be members of the news media, damaging the camera of a person who stumbled on a staircase during the attack.

As part of his plea agreement, 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.

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

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