Queens Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening Congressional Staff and Making Over 12,000 Harassing Calls

WASHINGTON — A 35-year-old man from Queens, New York, pleaded guilty on Thursday to threatening to kill a congressional staff member and making more than 12,000 harassing phone calls to members of Congress over a period of less than two years.

Details of the Plea

Ade Salim Lilly admitted guilt to charges of threatening to kidnap or injure someone on interstate commerce and making repeated harassing telephone calls. The more than 12,000 calls, including over 6,526 specifically targeting congressional offices in Washington, D.C., were made to the offices of 54 members of Congress between February 2022 and November 2023, when Lilly was apprehended, according to court records.

Nature of the Calls

A spokesman for the U.S. Capitol Police confirmed that the calls targeted members from both political parties, though individual targets were not identified. Plea documents detail that Lilly's calls were answered by staff members and interns, during which he would "become angry and use vulgar and harassing language" towards those who answered.

"Based upon his harassing communication, Defendant Lilly was repeatedly asked by Congressional staff members to refrain from calling," his agreed-upon statement of offense reads. "In addition, police officers of the United States Capitol Police informed Defendant Lilly on multiple occasions that his phone calls were unwanted, and due to a harassing nature, were prohibited by law."

Specific Threats

In a particularly alarming instance on October 21, 2022, Lilly told a congressional staffer, "I will kill you, I am going to run you over, I will kill you with a bomb or grenade."

Due to the relentless nature of Lilly's calls, some staffers stopped answering their phones. Court documents indicate that one office was targeted more than 500 times.

Legal Proceedings and Custody

Lilly, who has been in custody since his arrest, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly. Judge Kelly has scheduled a sentencing hearing for August 28 at 2 p.m. ET.

Broader Implications

This case highlights the growing concern over threats and harassment directed at public officials and their staff. The U.S. Capitol Police, responsible for protecting members of Congress and their staff, has seen an increase in such threats, leading to heightened security measures and protocols.

Response from Authorities

A spokesman for the U.S. Capitol Police emphasized the seriousness of the threats and the extensive efforts required to manage and mitigate such harassment. "Threats against members of Congress and their staff are taken very seriously. We are committed to ensuring their safety and holding those who threaten them accountable," the spokesman said.

Psychological and Emotional Impact

The sustained nature of Lilly's harassment has likely taken a significant psychological and emotional toll on the targeted staff members and interns. Consistent exposure to threats and abusive language can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues, affecting their ability to perform their duties effectively.

Measures for Staff Protection

In light of this case, congressional offices may need to review and enhance their security protocols to protect staff from similar threats in the future. This could include training for staff on how to handle threatening calls, improved communication with law enforcement, and potentially increased physical security measures at offices.

Legislative Actions

This case might also prompt lawmakers to consider additional legislative measures to address harassment and threats against public officials. Strengthening legal frameworks to protect congressional staff and ensuring swift action against perpetrators can help create a safer working environment.

Conclusion

Ade Salim Lilly's guilty plea underscores the importance of addressing threats against public officials and ensuring that such behavior is met with appropriate legal consequences. As the sentencing date approaches, the case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by congressional staff and the critical need for robust protective measures.

The broader implications of this case resonate beyond the individual incidents, highlighting a need for continued vigilance and support for those who work to uphold democratic institutions. The upcoming sentencing will likely set a precedent for similar cases, reinforcing the message that harassment and threats against public officials will not be tolerated.

Community and Media Reaction

The case has garnered significant attention from the media and the public, sparking discussions about the safety of public servants and the need for comprehensive measures to protect them. Public support for congressional staff and condemnation of threatening behavior are essential in fostering a culture of respect and safety in political discourse.

Future Outlook

Moving forward, it is crucial for both legislative bodies and law enforcement agencies to collaborate closely to ensure the protection of public officials and their staff. Continued efforts to monitor and address threats will help safeguard the integrity of democratic institutions and the individuals who serve within them.