An Alvin woman, Abigail Jo Shry, aged 44, has admitted to making threats against U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan and the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. On Wednesday, Shry pleaded guilty in federal court, acknowledging her actions in a case connected to former President-elect Donald J. Trump. Shry left a voicemail on August 5, 2023, using a racial slur to describe Judge Chutkan, who is Black, and threatening the lives of both the judge and Congresswoman Lee, who passed away in June. The complaint detailed that Shry’s threats extended to Democrats in Washington D.C. and members of the LGBTQ community.
Shry’s message warned that if Trump was not elected in 2024, violence would follow, stating, “If Trump doesn’t get elected in 2024, we are coming to kill you, so tread lightly.” She further threatened personal and public harm to the judge’s family, according to court documents.
When federal agents interviewed Shry at her residence three days after the threatening call, she claimed no intention of traveling to Washington D.C. or Houston. However, she suggested concern if Congresswoman Lee were to visit Alvin.
During a court hearing, Shry explained to U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo her decision to change her plea, acknowledging her newfound understanding that making threats constitutes a legal violation, irrespective of the intention to carry out such threats. “I thought freedom of speech was protected if you didn’t have an intention to carry out what you said,” Shry stated. Her defense attorney, Amr Ahmed, confirmed her admission of making the threats and noted that ignorance of the law does not excuse the behavior.
The case prosecution is led by Richard Hanes of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. Legal expert David Weinstein from Jones Walker LLP in Miami commented on the case, explaining the limits of free speech. He noted that the prosecution was required only to show that Shry knowingly made the threat, not whether she intended to act upon it.
Judge Palermo indicated she would advise U.S. District Court Judge Keith Ellison to accept Shry’s guilty plea. A sentencing date is set for January 31, following the completion of a presentencing report. Shry faces a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. She disclosed to the court her struggles with anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Court documents revealed that Shry’s father characterized her as a nonviolent alcoholic prone to making threats after consuming alcohol and becoming disturbed by news reports. It was noted that Shry has faced charges four times previously for similar offenses.