Alvin woman admits to death threats against public officials

HOUSTON - A 44-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to transmission in interstate commerce containing a threat to injure the person of another, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Abigail J. Shry admitted that on Aug. 5, 2023, she placed a call to the chambers of a federal judge and made derogatory statements and threats to anyone that went after then former President Donald Trump. She also made a direct threat to a then sitting congresswoman, all democrats in Washington D.C. and all people in the LGBTQ community.

At the hearing, Shry claimed that at the time she made the calls, she did not think it was illegal to do so. She said she thought it was freedom of speech and that she did not intend to act on the threats.

In her calls, Shry stated, "You are in our sights, we want to kill you. If Trump doesn't get elected in 2024, we are coming to kill you, so tread lightly..." She added that "you will be targeted personally, publicly, your family, all of it."

On Aug. 8, 2023, authorities went to her residence, at which time she admitted the phone number associated with the calls was hers and that she did in fact make the call to the judge's chambers. She noted that she had no plans to travel anywhere to carry out anything she stated. However, she told authorities that if the congresswoman ever traveled to her city, then "we need to worry."

"Shry thought the First Amendment protected her from sending a death threat to a member of congress," said Hamdani. "She was wrong, and today's plea demonstrates how the Southern District of Texas has no patience for those who target and threaten public servants - ignorance of the Constitution notwithstanding."

Sentencing is set for Jan. 14 before U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison. At that time, Shry faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Hanes is prosecuting the case.