Chattanooga, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Garry Lebron Hayes, a 24-year-old from Chattanooga, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for leaving threatening messages directed at Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. The messages, which spanned over two years, attracted federal attention, and the court mandated mental health counseling during his incarceration. In a separate incident, a fraudulent active shooter report at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga led to campus lockdowns, highlighting community concerns over safety.
Chattanooga
Garry Lebron Hayes, a 24-year-old resident of Chattanooga, Tennessee, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for leaving a series of threatening messages directed at Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. The sentences follow investigations led by federal authorities into the intimidating voicemails that spanned over a two-year period.
Hayes not only identified himself in the messages but also made it clear he was from Chattanooga. The first of the threatening voicemails was recorded on March 9, 2022, followed by another one in December 2022, which was nine months later. The last threatening message, made on July 2, 2024, marked a continuation of his alarming behavior towards the Congresswoman. Additionally, earlier that same year, Hayes left a voicemail for an unidentified U.S. Senator.
A federal judge has mandated that Hayes report to the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, by December 8, 2025, and has also specified that he must undergo mental health counseling while serving his sentence.
In an unrelated incident, a fraudulent report of an active shooter at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga occurred on Thursday, leading to immediate lockdowns and evacuations within the campus. The university first alerted students and staff about the potential threat at 12:42 p.m., prompting a swift response from law enforcement who conducted a thorough search of the campus and its buildings.
The lockdown was eventually lifted at 1:51 p.m. after authorities confirmed that no threats were present. As part of the safety measures, students were evacuated and searched. The incident concluded without any injuries reported, and no individuals were detained. An investigation into the fraudulent report is currently ongoing, with collaboration between campus police, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI.
A similar false report regarding an active shooter was also received by Erlanger hospital. In light of these incidents, the Chattanooga Police Chief has highlighted the importance of serious responses to potential threats to maintain public safety. Following the overwhelming response to the false alarm, all classes and activities at the university were canceled for the remainder of the day. The Chancellor of the university expressed gratitude towards the community for their calm manner during the incident.
This series of troubling events has raised concerns within the community regarding safety and mental health, underlining the necessity of a proactive approach to both reported threats and mental health issues among individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Garry Lebron Hayes sentenced for?
He was sentenced to two years in federal prison for leaving threatening messages to Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene over a two-year period.
When did Hayes leave the threatening messages?
The messages were left on March 9, 2022, December 2022, and July 2, 2024. He also left a voicemail for an unidentified U.S. Senator earlier in 2024.
What will happen to Hayes while in prison?
He is required to undergo mental health counseling during his incarceration.
What happened at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga?
A fraudulent report of an active shooter led to campus lockdowns and evacuations, which turned out to be a false alarm.
How did the university respond to the shooting scare?
The university activated lockdown procedures, and law enforcement conducted thorough searches. Classes and activities were canceled for the day once the threat was cleared.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Garry Lebron Hayes sentenced for threatening Congresswoman Greene |
| Sentence Duration | 2 years in federal prison |
| Threatening Messages Timeline | Messages left from March 2022 to July 2024 |
| Required Counseling | Mental health counseling during incarceration |
| University Incident | Fraudulent active shooter report leading to lockdown |
| Law Enforcement Response | Thorough campus search, no threats found |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Economic Disparities Amid Tennessee’s Growth
Chattanooga Attorney Fisher Wise Faces Assault Charges
U.S. Military Strike Raises Eyebrows Amid Tensions
Brazil’s Ex-President Bolsonaro Sentenced for Coup Plotting
California Lawmakers Push for Transparency in Law Enforcement
Immigration Raid at Hyundai-LG Battery Plant Affects over 300 Workers
Local Restaurant Inspections Reveal Mixed Health Scores
Job Relocation from Chattanooga to Bogotá Announced
Grand Opening of Embassy Suites by Hilton in Chattanooga
Chattanooga Gears Up for Weekend Festivities
Additional Resources
- WJACTV: Chattanooga Man Sentenced
- Wikipedia: Threatening Communications
- Times Free Press: UTC Active Shooter Warning
- Google Search: UTC Active Shooter Warning
- Chattanoogan: Facebook Message Leads to Harassment
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga Threats
- Local 3 News: 20 Arrests for School Threats
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Safety
- Svalley Now: Violent Threats in Chattanooga Schools
- Google News: Chattanooga School Threats
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
