Indianapolis woman faces federal charges after alleged death threats toward Rep. Nancy Mace via texts and social media

Federal case centers on alleged threats sent to a sitting member of the U.S. House

An Indianapolis woman has been charged in federal court after investigators alleged she sent a series of death threats to a member of the United States House of Representatives, using multiple communication channels in a short period of time.

Shayla Addison, 28, is charged with two counts of influencing a federal official by threat. The charges stem from alleged messages sent on January 15, 2025. The case is being handled in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana.

What investigators say happened on January 15, 2025

According to court documents summarized in the charging announcement, the alleged threats began at approximately 8:53 a.m. with five text messages sent to a campaign phone number used by the House member identified in filings as “Victim 1.” The texts included explicit threats to kill the official and also included language warning the official to “tread lightly.”

Investigators allege that minutes later, additional messages were sent to the official’s campaign email address, again threatening to kill the official and referencing blowing up a building. The same day, Addison allegedly posted threatening comments to the official’s Instagram account, including statements that referenced the surname “Mace,” a detail that has circulated publicly alongside reporting that identifies the targeted lawmaker as Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina.

• Texts: multiple messages to a campaign phone number, including threats to kill the lawmaker.
• Email: additional alleged threats sent shortly afterward to a campaign email address.
• Social media: alleged threatening comments posted to the lawmaker’s Instagram account that same day.

How the law treats threats against federal officials

Federal prosecutors routinely bring threats cases under statutes that prohibit attempting to influence, intimidate, impede, or retaliate against federal officials through threats. In this case, the charges carry a potential penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison per count, depending on how the court applies federal sentencing law and guidelines at any later sentencing stage.

The filings describe the alleged messages as retaliation tied to the official’s performance of duties as a member of Congress.

Investigation and next steps

The investigation involved the FBI and the U.S. Capitol Police. Court proceedings will determine whether the government can prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defendant retains the presumption of innocence unless and until convicted. Public reporting has also indicated a guilty plea filing in the case, though the court docket and any plea hearing details will govern the precise status and timing of that development.

The case arrives amid heightened security concerns for elected officials nationwide, as law enforcement agencies continue to monitor and respond to threats delivered via phones, email, and social media platforms.