⏱ 3 min read
Donald Leroy Smith Jr., 51, of Woodburn, Oregon, is staring down federal charges after allegedly calling for the outright assassination of a U.S. Senator. On November 12, 2025, Smith reportedly left a voicemail promising to “kill” the senator and “put a bullet in your head.” The motivation for the threat remains shrouded in mystery.
Court filings paint a grim picture. This wasn’t vague rambling, sources say. The voicemail allegedly stated the Senator “need[ed] to be dead,” removing any ambiguity about Smith’s intentions. The Senator’s identity has been withheld by authorities.
Smith appeared in federal court today and was released pending further hearings. He’s been formally charged with threatening a federal official – a serious felony under federal law – with the explicit goal of intimidation while the Senator performed their duties.
The FBI is leading the investigation, bolstered by a multi-agency task force including the U.S. Capitol Police, Secret Service, Postal Inspection Service, Oregon State Police, and the Woodburn Police Department. First Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Narus and Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. Kilcup are prosecuting the case.
It’s important to remember Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Grimy Times will continue to track this case as it unfolds.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: oregon
- Location: US
- Source: U.S. Department of Justice
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