A federal judge has sentenced Garry Lebron Hayes to two years in prison for repeatedly leaving death threats on the official voicemails of U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Rome) and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

U.S. District Judge Curtis Collier handed down the maximum sentence within the guideline range on Wednesday in Chattanooga’s federal court, stating that Hayes’ punishment was intended to “send a signal to all the other Garry Lebron Hayeses in America that this type of behavior is unacceptable.”

Hayes, 45, of Chicago, pleaded guilty to transmitting in interstate commerce a communication containing a threat to injure Greene. Judge Collier emphasized that the sentence was not primarily to protect the safety of Greene or Scott, but rather to protect the integrity of American democracy.

Detective Robert Wade of the East Ridge Police testified that Hayes made the threatening calls to Congresswoman Greene in 2024 from his mother’s Chattanooga home. Recordings of the voicemails, played in court, revealed a series of explicit threats. In one message, Hayes stated he would kill Greene and beat her up in front of her children and husband. He also used numerous curse words and called her a “trifling white nationalist,” spelling out his name in the message.

Hayes also left a threatening voicemail for “little Tim Scott,” using a homophobic slur, accusing him of having sexual relations with President Donald Trump, and threatening to slit Scott’s throat, according to the recordings.

Despite the severity of the threats, Detective Wade testified there was no evidence that Hayes had concrete plans to carry out violence against either politician.

Hayes’ attorney, J. Everett Hoagland, requested several reductions and variances to the sentence, including house arrest, which were denied. Hoagland stated that Hayes is a military veteran who suffers from mental health and social issues related to his service. He added that Hayes is embarrassed by his behavior and has taken steps to improve his life.

Judge Collier acknowledged the current political climate, noting that Rep. Greene is “one of the most inflammatory politicians” in America, and Sen. Scott has faced significant backlash as a Black Republican supporter of the former president.

Collier stressed the broader implications of such threats, stating that politicians are “regular people who have the same human feelings and the same human weaknesses.” He warned that threatening the lives and well-being of public servants places a significant burden on public service and deters others from serving the country.

“What you did here is an awful thing,” Judge Collier concluded.