Chattanooga, TN, September 14, 2025
News Summary
A 24-year-old from Chattanooga has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for multiple threatening voice messages directed at U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. The threats, which escalated over two years, also targeted another congress member and a U.S. senator. Motivated by personal objections to Greene’s statements, the court emphasized the need for accountability amidst concerns for politicians’ safety. Following his sentencing, the individual will serve his time in a medical facility while receiving mental health counseling.
Chattanooga Man Sentenced for Threatening Congresswoman Greene
A 24-year-old man from Chattanooga, Tennessee, named Garry Lebron Hayes, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for leaving a series of threatening voice messages directed at U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. The threats, which spanned over two years, included references to Greene’s family, warning that her children should “say goodbye” to her.
In addition to targeting Greene, Hayes also sent threats to another unnamed member of Congress and a U.S. senator. Federal prosecutors revealed that the threats were motivated by Hayes’s objections to what he interpreted as white nationalist rhetoric in Greene’s public statements. Hayes is expected to serve his time in the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, where he will receive mental health counseling.
As part of a plea agreement, Hayes pleaded guilty to knowingly transmitting communications that contained threats to injure another person. He will also be subjected to one year of supervised release following his prison term. The court has emphasized the importance of protecting society from individuals who exhibit violent behavior towards elected officials with differing opinions.
The U.S. District Court, presided over by Judge Curtis Collier, made it clear that Hayes’s actions warranted a strong response to deter similar behavior in the future, particularly given the increasing concerns about safety for political figures following recent violent incidents in the United States. During the sentencing, Hayes’s defense team mentioned his military service record and indicated that he suffers from mental health issues.
Overview of Threats
Hayes began leaving threatening voicemails for Greene on March 9, 2022. The final threat was recorded on July 2, 2024. In these messages, Hayes identified himself and explicitly threatened violence against Greene, suggesting he would beat her in front of her children. One of the recorded voicemails to South Carolina Senator Tim Scott notably included the alarming phrase “slice your throat,” illustrating the severity of Hayes’s threats.
Court’s Stance on Safety
The court has expressed significant concern regarding Hayes’s threats, emphasizing the need for accountability among those who make violent threats against political leaders. This stance aligns with broader discussions surrounding the safety of politicians amid rising threats and violence against individuals in leadership roles.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Hayes has until December 8, 2023, to report to the Federal Medical Center to begin his sentence. His case highlights the ongoing dilemma of maintaining safety and security for elected officials in an increasingly polarized political climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Garry Lebron Hayes convicted of?
Garry Lebron Hayes was convicted of knowingly and willfully transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure another person.
What were the details of the threats made by Hayes?
Hayes made threats towards U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and other political figures, including violent language regarding Greene’s family and threats to harm them.
What sentence did Hayes receive?
Hayes received a two-year federal prison sentence, followed by one year of supervised release.
Where will Hayes serve his prison time?
Hayes will serve his sentence at the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, where he will also receive mental health counseling.
What prompted the threats from Hayes?
Hayes’s threats were motivated by his objections to what he viewed as white nationalist rhetoric in Representative Greene’s statements.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- OKC Fox News
- WSB TV
- Miami Herald
- Times Free Press
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: Threatening Communication
- Google Search: Garry Lebron Hayes Marjorie Taylor Greene
- Google Scholar: Marjorie Taylor Greene Threats
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Threatening Behavior
- Google News: Political Safety 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.
