Abigail Jo Shry Admits to Threatening Federal Judge Tanya Chutkan Amid Rising Threats to Judiciary
A Texas woman pleaded guilty in a Houston federal court on Wednesday to charges related to threats against U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, who presides over former President Donald Trump’s 2020 election case. Abigail Jo Shry, 43, of Alvin, Texas, admitted to leaving a menacing voicemail in August, threatening to kill Judge Chutkan, among others, following the unsealing of Trump’s election subversion case.
Threatening Voicemail and Rising Tensions
Prosecutors said Shry’s voicemail, left on August 5, contained racist slurs directed at Chutkan, who is Black, and promised violence against anyone attempting to prosecute Trump. Shry further threatened to kill Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, other Democrats, and members of the LGBTQ community. Her call came days after Special Counsel Jack Smith’s election-related charges against Trump were publicly released and assigned to Chutkan, an Obama-appointed judge.
Surge in Threats Against Judges
Shry’s case highlights a nationwide increase in threats against federal judges. According to the U.S. Marshals Service, threats against federal judges climbed from 224 in fiscal 2021 to 457 in fiscal 2023, a trend spotlighted in a Reuters investigation. Shry’s attorney declined to comment following her plea.
The threats against Judge Chutkan are part of a disturbing trend. In January, she became the target of a “swatting” call, a false report of a shooting at her home, which led to an immediate police response.
The Trump Election Subversion Case
The backdrop to Shry’s threats involves Trump’s indictment for allegedly attempting to obstruct the collection and certification of votes following his 2020 election defeat to Joe Biden. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Recently, Judge Chutkan approved a request from Smith to pause the election subversion case as prosecutors consider their next steps following Trump’s November 2024 election victory. Justice Department policy bars prosecuting a sitting president.
Sentencing and Legal Implications
Shry, who faces sentencing on January 31, could face significant jail time for her actions. Her guilty plea underscores the legal consequences tied to threats against public officials, especially amid heightened political tensions. Federal authorities continue to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for such threats, seeking to protect the judiciary’s integrity and security amid an increasingly polarized environment.
