Skagit Man Sentenced for Death Threats Against Congress Members

Threats referenced Second Amendment rights, leading to arrest and conviction

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A 67-year-old Skagit County man was sentenced to six months in prison for making interstate threats against two U.S. Congressmen and their staff. Bradley Whaley repeatedly contacted the offices of congresspeople in Washington, D.C. and made threats directly toward staffers via voicemail, referencing his right to exercise the Second Amendment and threatening to slit their throats.

Why it matters

This case highlights the alarming surge in threats toward members of Congress, their families, and staff, which have increased from 7,501 in 2022 to about 14,000 in 2025 according to the United States Capitol Police. Threats to elected officials undermine the democratic process and raise concerns about public safety.

The details

Whaley was arrested at his place of work in downtown Seattle in March 2025 after leaving threatening voicemails, and a loaded handgun was found in his vehicle. He later pleaded guilty on October 31, 2025. In the prosecutor's request for a one-year sentence, they noted the alarming increase in threat cases against members of Congress.

  • In March 2025, Whaley made several calls to two different D.C. offices, threatening to kill the congresspeople and their staff.
  • On March 21, 2025, Whaley was arrested at his place of work in downtown Seattle.
  • Whaley pleaded guilty on October 31, 2025.
  • Whaley was sentenced to six months in prison on February 6, 2026.

The players

Bradley Whaley

A 67-year-old Skagit County man who was sentenced to six months in prison for making interstate threats against two U.S. Congressmen and their staff.

U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead

The judge who sentenced Whaley and stated that his threats were part of a "dangerous pattern that, if left unchecked, threatens the democratic process."

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Whaley made multiple threatening calls to the offices of two U.S. Representatives. This was part of a dangerous pattern that, if left unchecked, threatens the democratic process.”

— U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead

“Over the last several years, there has been an alarming surge in the number of similar threat cases against members of Congress, their families, and staff. The number of threat cases increased from 7,501 in 2022 to 8,008 in 2023 and to 9,747 in 2024, according to the United States Capitol Police. In 2025, the number of threat cases investigated by USCP jumped to about 14,000.”

— Prosecutor

What’s next

The judge ordered Whaley to complete three years of supervised release following his prison term.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat to elected officials and the democratic process, with a concerning rise in the number of threats against members of Congress. It underscores the need for stronger measures to protect public servants and ensure the integrity of the political system.