On January 20, President Donald Trump made headlines by pardoning many individuals involved in the U.S. Capitol riots, effectively ending the legal battles for nearly 1,600 people. However, one case remains unresolved: that of Abigail Jo Shry from Texas. She still faces possible prison time linked to the events of January 6, 2021.
A federal judge in Texas has set Shry’s sentencing for May 5 at the federal courthouse in Houston. In November, she pleaded guilty to making threats against Judge Tanya Chutkan, who was presiding over Trump’s criminal case. Shry’s threats were severe and profane, revealing her deep anger and hostility.
According to the charges, Shry made a threatening phone call to Judge Chutkan’s office just hours after she learned Chutkan would handle the case involving Trump. On this call, Shry voiced violent threats against anyone who “went after” the former president, using derogatory language aimed at Judge Chutkan.
Shry didn’t just threaten the judge; she also left a menacing message for a Congress member. She warned, “If President Trump doesn’t get elected in 2024, we are coming to kill you, so tread lightly.” After these threats, law enforcement visited Shry at her home, where she acknowledged making the calls but claimed she had no immediate plans to act on her statements. She did, however, suggest that if the Congress member visited her town, there could be trouble.
During interviews with federal agents, Shry expressed her hatred of the government and continued to make threats. The situation led to concerns for Judge Chutkan’s safety, as she often had security details following her assignment to Trump’s case.
Shry’s sentencing has been delayed several times and could result in a prison sentence. Her attorney didn’t provide comments on what sentence they are seeking. At a previous hearing, a defense lawyer suggested that Shry might benefit from mental health and substance abuse treatment. Meanwhile, prosecutors expressed their worries about her potential for future threats. They referenced her recent behavior and warned that her anger could escalate again, especially if she continues following certain media outlets.
Since the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, threats against federal officials have increased significantly. Records show a steep rise in threat investigations by the U.S. Capitol Police, illustrating how volatile the situation has become. Furthermore, investigations conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service, which protects judges and prosecutors, nearly tripled from 2019 to 2023, highlighting growing concerns about safety in the wake of rising tensions.
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