Chattanooga, Tennessee, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Garry LeBron Hayes, a 24-year-old from Chattanooga, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for making violent threats against U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. Over a two-year period, Hayes left multiple threatening voicemails, including promises of violence directed at Greene and her family. The case underscores the serious concern regarding threats against public officials as Hayes is mandated to undergo mental health counseling during his incarceration.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – Garry LeBron Hayes, a 24-year-old resident of Chattanooga, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for making violent threats against U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and her family. The threats, which included graphic language and promises of violence, were conveyed through a series of messages over a two-year period.
Hayes’s sentencing came after he was found guilty of leaving multiple threatening voicemails. Notably, on March 9, 2022, he identified himself in a message where he threatened to confront Greene and her children, suggesting an impending violent encounter. In a subsequent voicemail left in December 2022, he escalated his threats, vowing to physically assault Greene in front of her family. These incidents were part of a troubling pattern that continued into July 2024 when Hayes threatened to kill the Congresswoman while again referencing his location in Chattanooga.
In addition to threats directed at Greene, Hayes also left a voicemail for an unidentified U.S. senator in early 2024, making aggressive assertions and promises of violence. Following his conviction, a federal judge mandated that Hayes report to the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, by December 8 of this year, where he will undergo mental health counseling during his incarceration.
The case highlights the rising concern regarding threats towards public officials and the potential for violence in political discourse. Greene, a controversial figure in U.S. politics, has been the target of harassment and threats since taking office, raising questions about the safety of politicians and their families in today’s charged political climate.
The Justice Department and local law enforcement agencies have consistently stressed the importance of addressing threats against public officials to maintain the integrity of democratic processes. Such actions are viewed as not only a personal attack on individuals but as an infringement on the democratic rights of constituents and an affront to civil discourse.
Further information about Hayes’s background, mental health struggles, and any previous criminal convictions has not been disclosed in relation to this case.
Overall, Hayes’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that threatening behavior can bring, and the ongoing commitment by law enforcement to protect public officials from harassment and violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was Garry Hayes sentenced for?
- Garry Hayes was sentenced for making violent threats against Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and her family over a two-year period.
- How long will Hayes serve in prison?
- Hayes has been sentenced to two years in federal prison.
- What is required of Hayes during his incarceration?
- During his time in prison, Hayes is required to undergo mental health counseling.
- When must Hayes report to prison?
- Hayes is ordered to report to the Federal Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky, by December 8 of this year.
- What other threats did Hayes make?
- In addition to threats against Greene, Hayes left a threatening voicemail for an unidentified U.S. senator in which he promised violence.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Garry LeBron Hayes |
| Location | Chattanooga, Tennessee |
| Sentencing | Two years in federal prison |
| Victim | Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene |
| Nature of Threats | Violent threats over two years, including threats to family |
| Mental Health Requirement | Undergoing counseling during incarceration |
| Report Date | December 8, 2024 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Resident Sentenced for Threatening Messages
Additional Resources
- Dayton 24/7 Now
- Wikipedia: Threat (law)
- WSB TV
- Google Search: Garry LeBron Hayes
- Local 10 News
- Google Scholar: Threats Against Politicians
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.
