Oregon Man Threatens to Execute Senator

⏱ 2 min read

Donald Leroy Smith Jr., 51, of Woodburn, Oregon, is in trouble with the feds after allegedly calling for the assassination of a U.S. Senator. A voicemail delivered November 12th, 2025, contained a direct threat to kill, authorities say. Smith allegedly didn’t pull any punches, promising to “put a bullet in your head.”

Court filings paint a chilling picture. Smith reportedly stated he was “coming to kill you,” and that the Senator “need[ed] to be dead.” The specific Senator hasn’t been named, but the threat triggered a massive response from multiple law enforcement agencies.

The FBI took the lead on the investigation, joined by U.S. Capitol Police, the Secret Service, Postal Inspectors, Oregon State Police, and even the Woodburn Police Department – a full-agency mobilization for a direct threat against a lawmaker. Smith made his initial court appearance today and was released pending further proceedings.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Narus and Assistant U.S. Attorney James A. Kilcup are prosecuting the case. Smith is, of course, presumed innocent until proven guilty.