Man Receives Sentence Over Threatening Calls To Congressional Offices

New York man sentenced for threatening Congress members and staff in alarming harassment campaign.

At a Glance

Ade Salim Lilly was sentenced to 13 months in prison for harassing calls and threats to members of Congress.
Lilly made over 12,000 calls to congressional offices, including death threats against at least one staffer.
Sentence includes three years of supervised release.
Case highlights growing concern over threats against public officials.

New York Man’s Relentless Campaign of Harassment

Ade Salim Lilly, a New York resident, has been sentenced to 13 months in prison for an extensive campaign of harassment against members of Congress and their staff. Lilly pleaded guilty to interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure and making repeated threatening phone calls. The sentencing also includes three years of supervised release following his prison term.

Starting in February 2022, Lilly embarked on a disturbing spree of over 12,000 calls to congressional offices from locations in Maryland and Puerto Rico. His actions escalated into a direct threat to kill a congressional staffer on October 21, 2022.

A New York man has been sentenced to 13 months in prison in connection with threatening phone calls he made to members of Congress and a threat to kill a staffer. https://t.co/XHiTJeqSZs

— NBC News (@NBCNews) September 4, 2024

Escalating Threats and Arrests

Lilly’s behavior became increasingly erratic and threatening over time. In one instance in February 2023, he called a single lawmaker’s office more than 500 times in just two days. His calls were characterized by vulgar language and disturbing threats to “kidnap or injure,” causing significant distress to congressional staff and interns who bore the brunt of his harassment. He was accused of threatening to kill at least one congressional staffer.

The harassment campaign finally came to an end with Lilly’s arrest in Puerto Rico in November 2023, following an indictment and a coordinated effort by Capitol Police agents.

Broader Implications for Public Safety

This case sheds light on an ongoing concern regarding threats against public officials. Prosecutors initially sought an 18-month sentence for Lilly, citing the alarming rise in threats against elected officials. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger’s statement in 2023 revealed a staggering 400% increase in threats against Congress members over six years.

“We will enforce the law anytime someone crosses the line — from free speech to harassment or threats,” U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger said in a different statement. “Our investigators worked to build this complicated case for years, which shows their dedication to protect the Members of Congress.”

The Department of Justice has taken note of this troubling trend, launching a task force in June 2021 specifically to combat threats and violence against election officials. This move underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating such threats to our democratic institutions.