Texas Woman Charged with Threatening Federal Judge Overseeing Trump’s Election Case
A Texas woman has been charged with threatening to kill Tanya S. Chutkan, the federal judge in Washington who is overseeing former President Donald J. Trump’s prosecution on charges of seeking to overturn the 2020 election.
Abigail Jo Shry, 43, of Alvin, Texas, called Judge Chutkan’s chambers on August 5, two days after Mr. Trump was arraigned on the election interference charges, and left a voice mail message attacking the judge, who is Black, with a racial slur, according to a criminal complaint unsealed on Friday.
In the message, Ms. Shry told Judge Chutkan, “If Trump doesn’t get elected in 2024, we are coming to kill you, so tread lightly, bitch,” according to the complaint. She added, “You will be targeted personally, publicly, your family, all of it.”
Ms. Shry also issued a threat against Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a Black Democratic congresswoman from Texas.
This incident comes after Judge Chutkan cautioned Mr. Trump about making “inflammatory statements” that could harm the integrity of the case. Mr. Trump has a long history of verbally attacking judges and other people involved in the criminal cases brought against him, particularly on social media.
Late last week, Judge Chutkan warned Mr. Trump that she would take measures to ensure that he did not make such statements about the case that might intimidate witnesses or otherwise harm the integrity of the proceeding.
Almost immediately, Mr. Trump tested the boundaries of Judge Chutkan’s admonition by posting a series of messages on his social media platform, Truth Social, that largely amplified the criticism that other people had lodged against her.
In response to the incident, Ms. Shry was denied bail and ordered to be held in custody for at least 30 days following a detention hearing in Federal District Court in Houston.
During the hearing, court papers revealed that Ms. Shry’s father testified that she was a “nonviolent alcoholic” who often became “agitated by the news” and started “calling people and threatening them” after drinking.
It is worth noting that Mr. Trump’s supporters have sometimes engaged in violence after officials in the criminal justice system have taken action against him. Last summer, an armed Ohio man enraged by an FBI search at Mar-a-Lago, Mr. Trump’s private club and residence in Florida, attempted to break into the bureau’s field office near Cincinnati and was ultimately killed in a shootout with the local police.
The incident involving Ms. Shry highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding Mr. Trump’s legal battles and the potential risks faced by those involved in the cases. Judge Chutkan’s cautionary message to Mr. Trump serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the legal process and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.
What role can the PAA play in ensuring the safety and well-being of public figures, such as Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who face threats or intimidation due to their political positions
A Texas woman has been arrested and charged with making threats against Tanya S. Chutkan, the federal judge in Washington who is overseeing former President Donald J. Trump’s case related to the 2020 election. Abigail Jo Shry, 43, from Alvin, Texas, allegedly left a racially offensive voicemail for Judge Chutkan on August 5, two days after Trump was arraigned on charges of trying to overturn the election. In the voicemail, Shry threatened to kill the judge if Trump is not reelected in 2024, and also made threats against Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a Black Democratic congresswoman from Texas. This incident highlights the need for caution and security measures, especially for individuals involved in high-profile cases.
This kind of behavior is completely unacceptable and undermines the principles of democracy and justice.
It is important to respect the rule of law and allow the legal system to handle any grievances or concerns one may have.