A Texas man has been handed a nearly three-year sentence in federal prison for issuing violent threats against U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, who serves California's 43rd Congressional District. Brian Michael Gaherty, 61, of Houston, received a sentence of 33 months on June 17, following his threatening phone calls to the congresswoman's district office in Los Angeles. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California, Judge R. Gary Klausner also issued Gaherty a $10,000 fine, enhancing the sentence with a hate-crime determination due to the racial motivation behind the threats.
A guilty plea was entered by Gaherty on January 29, for one count of threatening a United States official. The United States Attorney Martin Estr –ada was quoted saying, “Threats to harm or kill elected officials are anathema to our nation’s values and must not – and will not – be tolerated.” In the plea agreement, Gaherty admitted to making the threatening calls across four different instances in August and November 2022, aiming to disrupt, scare, and interfere with Waters during her execution of official duties.
The disturbing voicemails left by Gaherty were laced with profanity and contained racist and misogynistic language, raising concerns about the security of elected officials. As per the U.S. Attorney's Office, Central District of California, descriptions of the messages detailed Gaherty’s threats to "put a cap" in Waters' eyes, "cut [her] throat," and "stomp" her, among other violent promises. Despite being warned by authorities in October 2022 to cease communication, Gaherty escalated his threatening behavior in subsequent messages left in November.
Gaherty’s actions prompted an investigation by the United States Capitol Police leading to his arrest and eventual sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Laura A. Alexander of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section oversaw the prosecution of this case. In a statement provided by Public Information Officer Ciaran McEvoy, the seriousness of the threats and the government's stance against such acts were reinforced. McEvoy can be reached for further information at [email protected] or (213) 894-4465.
