Georgia Man Convicted of Hate Crime for Threatening Austin ISD Board

A Georgia man has been convicted of a hate crime after making violent threats against the Austin Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees in 2023.

On July 17, 2025, 57-year-old Michael Boone of Richmond Hills, Georgia, pleaded guilty to a charge of Terroristic Threat to Cause Imminent Serious Bodily Injury. Boone also admitted that his actions were motivated by prejudice, making the case a hate crime.

Threat Made Before Austin Pride Parade

The incident occurred on August 11, 2023, one day before the Austin Pride Parade. Boone sent a message to the Austin ISD Board through the district’s “Let’s Talk” app. In his message, he called board members “sick pathetic humans” and warned he would have a “sniper rifle ready and pointed” at them during the parade scheduled for August 12, 2023.

Authorities traced the message to Boone’s IP address. The Austin ISD Police Department, assisted by the FBI and Georgia law enforcement, located Boone and questioned him. He admitted to posting the threat during interviews with investigators.

Indictment and Conviction

In December 2023, a Travis County grand jury indicted Boone on two charges of Terroristic Threats. The grand jury found that Boone targeted the board due to prejudice against sexual preference, elevating the charge to a hate crime.

After pleading guilty in July 2025, Boone was sentenced on August 28, 2025. The court ordered two years of deferred adjudication, 75 hours of community service, and mandatory treatment and counseling. He was also required to write a letter of apology and is barred from contacting the Austin ISD.

District Attorney’s Response

Travis County District Attorney José Garza emphasized the seriousness of hate crimes in his statement, highlighting the collaboration between the AISD Police Department, the FBI, and local law enforcement in Georgia.

The case underscores law enforcement’s swift response in addressing threats motivated by hate and ensuring the safety of the community.