Texas man sentenced to 33 months in prison for threatening U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters

Gaherty targeted the congresswoman with racist and violent threats

A Texas man was sentenced Monday to 33 months in federal prison for making a series of threatening phone calls to the office of U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, who represents California's 43rd Congressional District.

Brian Michael Gaherty, 61, of Houston, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner, who also imposed a $10,000 fine. The judge applied a hate crimes assessment, determining that Gaherty targeted Waters because of his race.

Gaherty pleaded guilty Jan. 29 to one count of threatening a U.S. official.

“Threats to harm or kill elected officials are anathema to our nation’s values ​​and must not – and will not – be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “My office and the entire Department of Justice will continue to combat threats against public officials and other attempts to paralyze democracy.”

In his plea agreement, Gaherty admitted to threatening to assault and murder Waters four times in August and November 2022 with the intent to obstruct, intimidate and interfere with his official duties.

Gaherty left four voicemails at Waters' Los Angeles County district office, each containing violent threats, profanity, and racist and misogynistic language. In August 2022, he threatened to “put a cap” between the MP’s eyes, to “cut [her] throat” and “trample her”. He warned that she “better move out” because he and his “local boys” had a “contract” on her life.

Authorities contacted Gaherty and warned him to stop in October 2022, but he maintained his threats. In November 2022, he left two more voicemails, stating that Waters had “done [expletive] » by reporting his threats to law enforcement and declaring: “This is not a threat. It's a promise.” He also threatened to meet Waters “on the street” and “get on board.” [her] face” and reiterated that he and his “mob” had a contract to “take [her]…out.” He concluded with: “You better watch your back.”

The United States Capitol Police investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura A. Alexander of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section.