If former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden received as many death threats as President Donald Trump does, it is one of the country’s biggest secrets.
It seems like every other week there is a report detailing a new threat against our current commander-in-chief, and that doesn’t even count the number of actual attempts on his life.
With that said, there was another threat recently, and this one came from someone seeking a seat in Congress.
An Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, man who is running as a Democrat for the U.S. Senate has been arrested on allegations that he threatened to kill Trump and a member of Congress.
An FBI spokesperson confirmed that agents, working alongside the U.S. Secret Service, arrested Raymond Chandler in Pittsburgh.
According to an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Chandler allegedly left a voicemail for an unidentified member of Congress on April 18 in which he described a violent scenario involving the lawmaker and the lawmaker’s family.
Prosecutors allege he said such violence was justified because “wealth concentration has gotten so bad in this country.”
Court documents further allege that Chandler left another voicemail on April 29 urging a member of Congress to assassinate President Trump. Prosecutors say he also referred to Trump as “a liar among all liars” and “the antichrist.”
According to the affidavit, congressional staff contacted law enforcement after Chandler’s messages became increasingly threatening toward the president, members of Congress, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Hours before his arrest, Chandler posted a YouTube video announcing his campaign for the U.S. Senate, saying he intended to challenge Sen. John Fetterman in the 2028 Democratic primary.
His campaign platform includes proposals such as higher taxes on billionaires, expanded social programs, increased regulation of large technology companies, and abolishing ICE.
Separately, prosecutors continue to pursue charges against Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, in connection with the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
According to the Department of Justice, Allen is accused of entering the Washington Hilton armed with multiple weapons and attempting to reach the ballroom where President Trump, Cabinet officials, and journalists were gathered.
He faces charges including attempted assassination of the President of the United States, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and transporting a firearm across state lines.
During 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, while U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the investigation remains ongoing and indicated that additional charges could be filed.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Allen appeared in court wearing a blue jail uniform and faces charges including attempted assassination of the President of the United States, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, and transporting a firearm across state lines, Fox News reported.
Allen spoke softly during his court appearance.
As he was led into the courtroom by marshals, he scanned the public gallery, which included over 40 members of the press and general public.
He nodded as Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh explained various aspects of the proceedings.
“He attempted to assassinate the president of the United States, Donald J. Trump,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine told the court. “We are asking the court to preventatively detain Mr. Allen.”
“Cole Allen’s journey of accountability in the criminal justice system starts today,” U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said in a press conference, adding, “There will be additional charges as this investigation continues to unfold.”
“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,” Pirro continued.
