Texas man who threatened to kill Rep. Maxine Waters receives 33-month prison sentence

A Texas man who threatened to kill California Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters in 2022 was sentenced Monday to 33-months in federal prison, according to U.S. officials.

The defendant, Houston resident Brian Michael Gaherty, who was indicted last year, pleaded guilty in January to one count of threatening a United States official. However, the 61-year-old Gaherty admitted to threatening to kill the congresswoman four times in phone calls in August and November of 2022, according to NBC News. The four threats were left on Waters's district office phone in Los Angeles County.

Joseph Vinas, a lawyer representing Gaherty, said his client was "very apologetic" for the threats, and made a "heartfelt plea" to Waters for her forgiveness in court. Gaherty also apologized to other people affected by his racist comments. 

"[It is my] sincerest belief that, but for the mental health condition he currently suffers as a result of being a victim of violent crime himself, this never would have occurred," Vinas told the outlet.

In all four messages, Gaherty used racist, misogynistic language, and threatened to kill the 85-year-old Waters. In August 2022, Gaherty claimed he would "put a cap" in Waters' head, "cut [her] throat," and "stomp" on her. Officials told him in October to stop bothering Waters, but he called two other times, which included chastising her for telling law enforcement about the threats.

"Gaherty made these threats with the intent to impede, intimidate, and interfere with Waters while she was engaged in the performance of her official duties," federal prosecutors said.

Waters has served in the House of Representatives for more than three decades, and first took office in 1991.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.