A Texas man named Brian Michael Gaherty was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison and fined $10,000 for threatening to kill U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters in a series of phone calls. The sentencing took place in California, where Gaherty targeted Waters specifically because of her race, leading to a hate-crime enhancement being added to his sentence. Gaherty pleaded guilty to threatening a United States official, admitting to making violent threats against Waters in voicemail messages left on her district office phone in Los Angeles County. He used profanity, racist language, and misogynistic language in the threats, which included threats to assault and murder Waters.
Despite being warned by authorities to leave Waters alone after the threats in August 2022, Gaherty continued to leave threatening messages on her office phone. In November 2022, he left two more voicemails in which he told Waters that she had “done [expletive] up” by reporting his prior threats to law enforcement. He also warned her that he would meet her on the street and get in her face, telling her to watch her back. Gaherty claimed to have a “crowd” nearby that could harm Waters, further escalating the threats. The repeated and escalating nature of the threats led to his indictment and subsequent guilty plea.
Lawyers representing Gaherty did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the sentencing. The case highlights the seriousness of threatening a United States official and the legal consequences that can follow such actions, especially when the threats are racially motivated. The hate-crime enhancement added to Gaherty’s sentence underscores the impact that targeting someone based on their race can have on the severity of criminal charges. The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of taking threats against public officials seriously and the measures that law enforcement can take to protect those who are threatened.
The threatening messages left by Gaherty not only targeted Waters individually but also sought to impede, intimidate, and interfere with her while she was performing her official duties as a U.S. Representative. The use of profanity, racist language, and violent threats in the messages underscore the hateful and malicious intent behind Gaherty’s actions. The threats made by Gaherty were deliberate and calculated, with multiple messages left over a period of months despite warnings from authorities to stop. Gaherty’s actions represent a dangerous escalation of anger and resentment directed towards a public figure, highlighting the importance of addressing and preventing such behavior.
The sentencing of Gaherty to 33 months in federal prison and the addition of a hate-crime enhancement to his sentence send a strong message about the consequences of making violent threats against public officials. The court’s decision to impose a significant prison sentence and fine reflects a commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions and protecting those who serve in public office. The case serves as a warning to others who may be considering making threats against public figures and underscores the legal and social consequences that can result from such actions. By addressing and punishing threats of violence, the justice system works to uphold the rule of law and protect individuals from harm.
