Death threats against President Donald Trump have become so routine that they rarely make headlines on their own. Yet a new case stands out because the accused is not an anonymous online voice but a man seeking a seat in the U.S. Senate.
Raymond Chandler, an Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, resident who is running as a Democrat for the Senate, was arrested in Pittsburgh on allegations that he threatened to kill Trump and a member of Congress. An FBI spokesperson confirmed that agents arrested Chandler alongside the U.S. Secret Service.
Alleged Voicemails Prompted Investigation
According to an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Chandler left a voicemail for an unidentified member of Congress on April 18. In it, he allegedly described a violent scenario involving the lawmaker and the lawmaker’s family. Prosecutors say he justified the violence by saying that “wealth concentration has gotten so bad in this country.”
Court documents also allege that Chandler left a second voicemail on April 29, urging a member of Congress to assassinate Trump. Prosecutors say he called the president “a liar among all liars” and “the antichrist.”
The affidavit states that congressional staff contacted law enforcement after the messages grew increasingly threatening. Those messages targeted the president, members of Congress, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Campaign Announcement Hours Before Arrest
Hours before his arrest, Chandler posted a YouTube video announcing his campaign for the Senate. He said he intended to challenge Sen. John Fetterman in the 2028 Democratic primary.
His platform includes higher taxes on billionaires, expanded social programs, tighter regulation of large technology companies, and the abolition of ICE.
Charges in the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting
In a separate case, prosecutors continue to pursue charges against Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, in connection with a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
The Department of Justice says Allen entered the Washington Hilton armed with multiple weapons and tried to reach the ballroom where Trump, Cabinet officials, and journalists were gathered. He faces charges of attempted assassination of the president of the United States, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and transporting a firearm across state lines.
At his initial court appearance, Allen was advised of the charges against him. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine argued that he should remain in custody pending trial. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges could follow.
Appearing in a blue jail uniform, Allen spoke softly during the hearing. As marshals led him into the courtroom, he scanned the public gallery, which included more than 40 members of the press and members of the public. He nodded as Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh explained the proceedings.
“He attempted to assassinate the president of the United States, Donald J. Trump. We are asking the court to preventatively detain Mr. Allen.”
— Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine
“Cole Allen’s journey of accountability in the criminal justice system starts today. There will be additional charges as this investigation continues to unfold.”
— U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, at a press conference
Pirro added: “But make no mistake, this was an attempted assassination of the President of the United States, with the defendant making clear what his intent was.”
