PITTSBURGH — A Pennsylvania man running for the U.S. Senate has been arrested after federal authorities accused him of making violent threats against President Donald Trump and a member of Congress, according to court documents and federal officials.
The FBI confirmed that agents, working with the U.S. Secret Service, arrested Raymond Chandler in Pittsburgh. Prosecutors allege that Chandler left a series of threatening voicemail messages that escalated from violent rhetoric against a congressional lawmaker and the lawmaker’s family to an alleged call for the assassination of President Trump.
According to an affidavit filed in federal court in Pennsylvania, Chandler allegedly left a voicemail on April 18 describing a violent scenario involving a member of Congress and the lawmaker’s family. Prosecutors say he attempted to justify the alleged threats by pointing to what he described as excessive wealth concentration in the United States.
Investigators allege that Chandler left another message on April 29 urging a member of Congress to assassinate Trump. Court documents say the message included highly inflammatory descriptions of the president.
Congressional staff eventually contacted law enforcement after Chandler’s communications allegedly became increasingly threatening toward Trump, members of Congress and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The arrest came as Chandler was seeking to establish himself as a Democratic political candidate. Hours before his detention, he reportedly posted a video announcing his campaign for the U.S. Senate and said he planned to challenge Democratic Sen. John Fetterman in the 2028 primary.
His campaign platform reportedly included higher taxes on billionaires, expanded social programs, increased regulation of major technology companies and the abolition of ICE.
The allegations against Chandler are separate from another high-profile federal case involving an alleged threat to the president.
Federal prosecutors are pursuing charges against Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, in connection with an alleged armed incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner venue in Washington.
According to the Justice Department, Allen is accused of entering the Washington Hilton armed with multiple weapons and attempting to reach the ballroom where Trump, Cabinet officials and journalists were gathered.
Allen faces charges including attempted assassination of the president, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and transporting a firearm across state lines.
During his initial court appearance, prosecutors requested that Allen remain in federal custody while the case proceeds. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine described the alleged conduct as an attempt to assassinate Trump, while U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the investigation remained active and warned that additional charges could follow.
Allen appeared in court wearing a blue jail uniform and spoke quietly as a magistrate judge explained the proceedings. More than 40 members of the press and public were present in the courtroom.
The two cases have renewed concerns about threats against elected officials and the security challenges surrounding political figures in an increasingly polarized environment.
Authorities have emphasized that the allegations remain allegations unless and until proven in court.
As investigators continue examining both cases, federal officials are expected to determine whether additional individuals, communications or potential threats are connected to the incidents.
For law enforcement, the cases underscore the continuing challenge of protecting public officials while distinguishing political expression from conduct that crosses the line into criminal threats or violence.
