Napa Man Indicted for Death Threats Against Fed Official

Prosecutors say man vowed to "hunt down and kill" an official and sent threatening emails targeting the victim's former spouse, children.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A 64-year-old Napa man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly threatening to hunt down and kill a Senate-confirmed federal government official in Washington, D.C. Prosecutors say Haddow Mills sent an email on Sept. 25, 2025, declaring, "I will hunt [the victim] down and kill him." The indictment also alleges that in the months leading up to the threat, Mills sent dozens of harassing and threatening emails to the official's ex-spouse, including a message stating, "I still am hunting down [victim's first name]. He is a dead man walking."

Why it matters

Threats against federal officials are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement, as they can pose a significant risk to public safety and the functioning of government. This case highlights the importance of swift action to address such threats and protect targeted individuals and their families.

The details

Authorities say other emails from Mills also contained threats directed at the official, the ex-spouse, and their children. Some of the messages are particularly graphic. Mills made his initial appearance in federal court on Friday and was released on bond. He is scheduled to return to court on May 21 for a status conference before U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin. If convicted, Mills faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for "transmitting an interstate threat under federal law."

  • On September 25, 2025, Mills allegedly sent an email declaring, "I will hunt [the victim] down and kill him."
  • In the months leading up to the September 2025 threat, Mills allegedly sent dozens of harassing and threatening emails to the official's ex-spouse.
  • Mills made his initial court appearance on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • Mills is scheduled to return to court on May 21, 2026 for a status conference.

The players

Haddow Mills

A 64-year-old Napa man who has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly threatening to hunt down and kill a Senate-confirmed federal government official.

U.S. District Judge Rita F. Lin

The judge presiding over the case against Haddow Mills.

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What they’re saying

“I will hunt [the victim] down and kill him.”

— Haddow Mills (Federal indictment)

“I still am hunting down [victim's first name]. He is a dead man walking.”

— Haddow Mills (Federal indictment)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on May 21, 2026 whether to allow Haddow Mills to remain out on bond or order him detained pending trial.

The takeaway

This case underscores the gravity of threats against federal officials and the swift action taken by law enforcement to address such threats and protect targeted individuals and their families. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the rule of law and the vital role of government officials in a democratic society.