Oregon Man Vows to Execute Senator in Voicemail Threat

Woodburn, OR – A 51-year-old Oregon man is facing federal charges after allegedly threatening to assassinate a U.S. Senator, escalating the already fraught political climate with a chillingly direct threat. Donald Leroy Smith Jr., of Woodburn, allegedly left a voicemail on November 12, 2025, that didn’t mince words, instead laying out a detailed plan for the Senator’s demise.

According to court filings unsealed today, Smith’s message was blunt and terrifying. He reportedly stated, “I’m coming to kill you,” and followed it up with a stark declaration: the Senator “need[ed] to be dead.” The voicemail didn’t stop there, allegedly continuing with a graphic threat to “put a bullet in your head.” While the identity of the targeted Senator is being withheld pending further investigation, sources confirm the threat was directed at a sitting member of the Senate, raising serious security concerns.

The feds moved quickly. The FBI took the lead on the investigation, pulling in support from a multi-agency task force including the U.S. Capitol Police, the Secret Service, the Postal Inspection Service, the Oregon State Police, and the Woodburn Police Department. This level of collaboration underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the threat, particularly given the recent increase in politically motivated violence and harassment.

Smith made his initial appearance in federal court today. He was released pending further hearings, a decision that’s already drawing criticism from some security experts who argue the potential for escalating violence warrants stricter pre-trial detention. Federal prosecutors William M. Narus and James A. Kilcup are handling the case, and are expected to push for a substantial sentence if Smith is convicted.

The charges against Smith fall under 18 U.S. Code §875(c), specifically the transmission of a threat in interstate or foreign commerce. This federal statute carries a maximum sentence of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. However, prosecutors could potentially seek to enhance the charges if they can demonstrate the threat was made with the intent to intimidate or interfere with the Senator’s performance of their official duties, which could significantly increase the potential penalty. Sentencing guidelines will be a key factor in determining the final punishment.

This isn’t an isolated incident. The FBI has reported a significant surge in threats against elected officials in recent years, fueled by political polarization and the spread of misinformation. Just last month, a Portland man was accused of making online threats to hunt down members of Congress. The Smith case highlights the dangerous consequences of this trend and the challenges law enforcement faces in protecting public servants from escalating violence.

Defense attorneys for Smith have yet to issue a statement, but will undoubtedly argue their client’s words were either misinterpreted, hyperbolic, or protected by the First Amendment. However, the feds will counter that the specific and violent nature of the threat, coupled with the intent to carry it out, crosses the line from protected speech into criminal behavior. The case is expected to be closely watched, setting a precedent for how similar threats will be handled in the future.

It’s crucial to remember that Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the severity of the allegations and the potential for real harm have already sent shockwaves through the political landscape, raising questions about the safety of those who serve in public office and the increasingly volatile state of American politics.

Source: U.S. Department of Justice