John Woodbury, a 35-year-old man from Roswell, Georgia, has been sentenced to 17 months in federal prison for threatening former FBI Director Christopher Wray. The sentencing, announced on July 24, 2025, also includes three years of supervised release following his prison term, underscoring the serious consequences of threatening public officials in the United States.
The case stems from an incident in June 2023, when Woodbury posted a violent message on the far-right conspiracy theory bulletin board 4chan.org. In the message, he included Wray's purported home address and issued explicit threats against the former FBI director and his family. The disturbing post read, “Let’s show them what a [expletive] ‘Nazi’ ... looks like. ... It’s time to burn these [expletives] down and hang them from trees. Hit them where it [expletive] hurts. Hit Chris at his home. Make his family fear stepping one foot outside their [expletive] door.”
This brazen threat caught the attention of federal authorities, leading to Woodbury's indictment on July 9, 2024. He was arraigned later that month before U.S. Magistrate Judge Catherine M. Salinas. In April 2025, Woodbury pleaded guilty to transmitting a threat in interstate commerce, a federal offense that covers any statement made across state lines with the intent to injure another person.
Woodbury’s actions were not taken lightly by the justice system. U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Geraghty handed down the sentence after considering the gravity of threatening a high-profile public servant. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, highlighting the seriousness with which such threats are treated.
U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, representing the Northern District of Georgia, emphasized the zero-tolerance policy his office maintains toward threats against law enforcement officers. “Threatening to harm public servants who enforce our criminal laws weakens the foundation of our society and will be punished accordingly,” Hertzberg stated firmly. His comments reflect a broader commitment to safeguarding those who serve the public and uphold the rule of law.
Christopher Wray, the target of Woodbury’s threats, served as FBI Director until January 2025. Before his appointment by then-President Donald Trump, Wray was a federal prosecutor in Atlanta, where he played a pivotal role in securing several high-profile convictions. His resignation earlier this year led to the appointment of Kash Patel as the current FBI Director.
FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown also weighed in on the case, underlining the vital importance of protecting public officials from threats. “The functioning of our democracy requires that our country’s public servants be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives,” Brown said. He added that Woodbury’s sentencing is a clear example of the FBI’s commitment to holding accountable those who threaten public officials, reinforcing the message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the violent nature of the threats but also because it underscores the challenges public servants face in an era marked by heightened political tensions and online extremism. The use of online platforms like 4chan to disseminate violent rhetoric has become a growing concern for law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Woodbury’s sentencing serves as a reminder that the justice system remains vigilant in addressing threats against public servants, especially those in law enforcement. By enforcing strict penalties, authorities hope to deter similar conduct and protect the integrity of public institutions.
Moreover, the case highlights the intersection of federal law enforcement and digital platforms, where threats can quickly cross state lines and escalate into serious federal offenses. The interstate nature of Woodbury’s threat was a key factor in the federal prosecution, illustrating how the law adapts to emerging challenges posed by the internet.
As the nation continues to grapple with issues of political division and online radicalization, the federal government’s response to cases like Woodbury’s will likely remain a focal point. Protecting public officials from harm is not only a matter of personal safety but also essential for maintaining public trust and the effective functioning of democracy.
Woodbury’s sentence, while significant, also includes a period of supervised release, during which he will be monitored to ensure compliance with the law and to prevent any recurrence of threatening behavior. This combination of incarceration and supervision reflects a balanced approach to justice, aiming to punish wrongdoing while facilitating rehabilitation.
The sentencing marks the latest development in a case that began with a chilling online post and culminated in a federal conviction. It sends a clear signal that threats against high-ranking officials, especially those tasked with enforcing the law, will be met with swift and decisive action.
In a time when public discourse is increasingly polarized, and threats against officials are not uncommon, the justice system’s firm stance offers reassurance that the rule of law prevails. The protection of those who serve the public remains a cornerstone of democratic society, and cases like this reaffirm the commitment to that principle.
As Woodbury begins his 17-month prison term, the broader implications of the case will continue to resonate across legal and political spheres. The balance between free speech and public safety remains delicate, but threats of violence clearly cross the line and invite serious consequences.
Ultimately, this case exemplifies the challenges faced by modern law enforcement in an age of digital communication and political unrest. It also demonstrates the federal government’s resolve to uphold justice and protect those who dedicate their careers to public service.
