Illinois State Representative Faces Death Threats After Political Disagreement, Highlights Growing Violence Against Officials
A State Representative Who Served Her Community Now Faces Fear For Her Family
Rep. Nicole La Ha has stopped taking her children to public speaking events. She no longer feels safe bringing them to the places where she advocates for inclusion and accessible spaces throughout Homer Glen and beyond.
The 41-year-old Homer Glen man known as Steven Brady pleaded guilty Monday to disorderly conduct in connection with threatening messages he submitted through La Ha's public website. The messages targeted not just the state representative but also her family members.
Will County Judge Vincent Cornelius accepted the plea agreement and sentenced Brady to 12 months court supervision, $800 in court costs and fines, and ordered Brady to have no contact with La Ha, her family, home or place of employment.
Brady was also given 30 days in jail, which he has already served.
It's a lot on your family. It's a lot on your own psyche. It's more than you can imagine, Judge Cornelius said.
Messages Beyond Criticism
Brady originally appeared in court last year charged with one count of threat to a public official, a class 3 felony, according to court documents. The charges stemmed from submissions La Ha received on May 15 and 16 through her website, which allegedly came from Brady.
Some of the messages included expletives, names, and references to his family. The court documents quoted one message as saying my associates will be in touch with you and they told me what they're going to do to you and your family. Another read say your goodbyes to your old friends and family.
When officers contacted Brady, he allegedly stated you got my message, according to court documents.
He informed police he wanted political figures arrested for stealing from him, the court documents said. He confirmed that the email address used in the submissions was his email address.
La Ha said the country has seen a major uptick of political violence and threats.
Without consequences we will continue to see these things happening, La Ha said.
More Than Political Criticism
La Ha, who represents Illinois House District 82 and is a former Homer Glen trustee from 2021-2023, said she ran for office to make her community better for her children. She advocated for inclusion and accessible spaces and parks throughout town.
She was appointed a state representative in 2023 and reelected last year.
I always knew that harsh critics were part of this job and I have gotten used to that, but never once did I ever think that I would receive harassment and threats of this dark nature, La Ha said.
She said threats such as expect lethal injection or specifically naming family members go beyond criticism of one's job. Since Brady's messages, her children have been scared and she has stopped taking them to public events where she was speaking.
We should not have to choose between protecting ourselves and our family or serving our communities, La Ha said. At some point, we must stand up together as people who choose to serve and say no more.
A Message to Public Servants
Judge Cornelius told Brady there is a right and wrong way to disagree with an elected official's policies, but public servants do not deserve to be intimidated or harassed. Officials should never have to fear for the lives of themselves, their children or their family.
I hope you are a better and different person, Judge Cornelius said.
La Ha said she is glad Brady will be held accountable and hopes he gets the help he needs.
Brady has changed since he first appeared in court, Judge Cornelius noted. He was originally not doing well, impulsive and not in control of himself. Brady was found unfit to stand trial in August and ordered to treatment. He was determined to be fit for trial earlier this year.
The Right Way to Disagree
La Ha said she is glad Brady will be held accountable and hopes he gets the help he needs.
The case comes as La Ha continues to serve her district and advocate for her community. She said the country has seen a major uptick of political violence and threats.
We must stand up together as people who choose to serve and say no more, La Ha said.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Sources:
- https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/04/20/homer-glen-man-guilty-political-threats/
- https://www.wjol.com/homer-glen-man-accused-of-threatening-illinois-legislator/
- https://capitolfax.com/2025/05/21/man-arrested-for-threatening-rep-la-ha/
- https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/05/22/homer-glen-man-charged-with-threatening-state-rep-nicole-la-ha/