Abigail Jo Shry, a 44-year-old woman from Texas, admitted on November 13, 2024, to leaving a threatening voicemail directed at U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who was presiding over former President Donald Trump’s legal case, and U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The incident occurred on August 5, 2023, when Shry called Chutkan’s chambers, leaving a menacing message that included racist language and explicit threats of violence. Shry’s message, which was discovered after federal investigators traced the call, contained multiple threats aimed at both political figures, as well as a wider group including Democrats and LGBTQ individuals.
The voicemail began with a racial slur aimed at Judge Chutkan and escalated into threats of violence, stating, “You are in our sights, we want to kill you,” and “If Trump doesn’t get elected in 2024, we are coming to kill you, so tread lightly.” Shry further warned that the judge and others would be targeted personally and publicly, threatening both her and her family. The message also included a direct threat to Congresswoman Lee, calling for her to be harmed if she visited Alvin, Texas, where Shry resided.
Shry’s use of a cellphone to make the call allowed authorities to track her location to Alvin, a town in the Houston area. Despite admitting to leaving the threatening message, Shry claimed that she had no intention of carrying out her threats or traveling to Washington, D.C., or Houston. She stated that her comments were meant to be a form of expression, but authorities emphasized that such threats were not protected under the First Amendment. Shry’s actions led to her arrest, and she later pled guilty to charges of transmitting a threat through interstate commerce.
During the legal proceedings, Shry expressed her belief that her threats were protected speech, a view that was swiftly dismissed by federal officials. Alamdar S. Hamdani, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, clarified that threats targeting public servants, such as judges and politicians, would not be tolerated, regardless of the constitutional misunderstanding. He further emphasized the commitment of the Southern District of Texas to hold individuals accountable for threats against public figures.
Shry has a history of criminal behavior and legal issues, including prior violations of probation, parole, and supervised release. Court records revealed that she had been convicted in September 2022 on charges of criminal mischief, resisting arrest, and interfering with public duties. Additionally, in July 2023, Shry faced charges related to a threat of serious bodily harm, a charge that she was still facing at the time of the threatening voicemail.
Shry’s personal history, as described in court, includes struggles with mental health and substance abuse. She has been diagnosed with major depression and has a long history of alcohol dependency. According to her father, Shry spends much of her time at home, drinking and watching news, which fuels her anger and prompts her to make such threatening calls. He testified that she rarely leaves her home and that she would not act on her threats.
Shry’s arrest and subsequent legal proceedings highlight the seriousness with which authorities are treating threats of violence against public figures, particularly in the politically charged climate of modern America. The case serves as a reminder that making violent threats, even in a moment of anger or frustration, can lead to significant legal consequences.
