A Pennsylvania man who recently launched a campaign for U.S. Senate is facing federal charges after allegedly leaving a series of violent voicemails threatening President Donald Trump and the family of a sitting member of Congress.
Raymond Eugene Chandler III, of Wilkinsburg, was arrested following a federal investigation into what authorities describe as a pattern of escalating and graphic threats made over the course of roughly a year.
According to a criminal complaint unsealed Friday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, Chandler is charged with influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threatening a family member and by threat.
Graphic threats outlined in court filings
Investigators say Chandler left multiple voicemails targeting both Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman (D) and President Trump between April 2025 and April 2026.
In one message on April 18, 2026, Chandler allegedly described a violent scenario involving the lawmaker and his daughter, saying they would be “pull[ed]… out of your house” and have their “throat… slit,” according to the affidavit.
Less than two weeks later, on April 29, Chandler allegedly escalated further — urging the lawmaker to assassinate the president.
“Walk into the Oval Office with a gun in your hand… put it to the President’s head… and… pull the trigger,” he said in the voicemail, according to investigators.
Authorities say the messages were part of a broader pattern that included references to building gallows, supporting armed resistance against federal agents, and claiming he had purchased weapons due to fears of the government.
Because of the threats, officials implemented increased security measures for federal lawmakers and their families, the affidavit states.
Arrest follows year-long pattern
Federal authorities say Chandler had been leaving voicemails for the congressional office for approximately a year — often identifying himself by name and address during the calls.
He made his initial court appearance in Pittsburgh on Friday, where he was advised of the charges. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 8.
The FBI confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying it “will not tolerate threats of violence” and is working with federal partners to protect public officials.
Senate campaign launched hours before arrest
In a striking twist, Chandler posted a YouTube video promoting his campaign for U.S. Senate just hours before his arrest.
“Hey friends, I’m Raymond and I’m running for U.S. Senate to replace John Fetterman in 2028,” he said in the video, titled “It’s time to tax the billionaires.”
In the video and on his campaign platforms, Chandler outlined a progressive agenda focused on wealth redistribution, including support for a wealth tax, universal healthcare, universal basic income, and abolishing ICE.
His website listed priorities such as regulating Big Tech and “ending cruelty in government.” An ActBlue fundraising page tied to his campaign was no longer active as of Friday.
Part of a broader rise in political threats
The case comes amid heightened concern over threats against public officials following a series of recent incidents.
Just days earlier, a gunman attempted to storm the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, D.C., in what prosecutors described as an effort to target President Trump and senior administration officials. That suspect allegedly outlined plans to attack officials “prioritized from highest-ranking to lowest” in a written manifesto. (RELATED: DC Shooting Suspect Cole Allen Drops Bid For Release, Will Remain In Custody)
Officials have also pointed to a broader increase in threats against members of Congress, judges, and federal law enforcement in recent years, prompting expanded security measures across Washington.
Against that backdrop, authorities say Chandler’s alleged actions are part of a troubling trend.
As the investigation continues, federal officials are emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach.
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