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A man from Texas who threatened Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA) has been sentenced to roughly three years in federal prison.

Brian Michael Gaherty, a 62-year-old resident of Houston, received a 33-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to one count of threatening a US official.

Gaherty left multiple voicemails in which he threatened to shoot the congresswoman, kidnap her, and track her down. The calls, which were filled with racial slurs, also mentioned that Gaherty had a “contract” out on Congresswoman Waters life. In one message, he warned Congresswoman Waters to “better watch [her] back.”

Despite being warned by authorities in October 2022 to cease his threats, Gaherty continued his harassment. During his sentencing, Judge Gary Klausner also added a $10,000 fine, noting that Gaherty targeted Congresswoman Waters because of her race.

In a statement, United States Attorney Martin Estrada said, “Threats to harm or kill elected officials are anathema to our nation’s values and must not — and will not — be tolerated. My office and the entire Department of Justice will continue to combat threats against public officials and other attempts to chill democracy.”