Threats Against President Trump Lead to Arrest in Pennsylvania
A man from Pennsylvania has been taken into custody after allegedly leaving threatening voice messages targeting President Donald Trump and other government officials.
Raymond Chandler, hailing from Wilkinsburg, a suburb of Pittsburgh, appeared in federal court on Friday. He faces multiple charges, including threatening a family member and a federal employee as well as attempting to intimidate or retaliate against federal officials, according to various reports.
“He is a liar’s liar. He is a great deceiver. He is the Antichrist.”
The FBI affidavit indicated that Chandler left a series of alarming voicemail messages directed at a congressman between April 2025 and April 2026.
Last Wednesday, just days after a third assassination attempt on Trump, Chandler allegedly instructed members of Congress about President Trump:
“What I want you to do is take your gun. I hope you get your hands on it. I want you to come into the Oval Office. I want you to put that gun to the president’s head, pull the trigger, and kill him. …I want the president killed. I want the president assassinated.”
Additionally, on April 18, Chandler reportedly threatened a congressman and his daughter, describing a gruesome scenario where their wealth could lead to dire consequences:
“Imagine that your home… is surrounded by a thousand people. Then they all get a text message… and they come and drag you out of the house and they cut your throat.”
He added that he did not advocate for violence but expressed concern over wealth concentration in the country, hinting at a potential uprising.
Chandler also mentioned constructing a gallows to hang a deputy, with other voicemails including threats against ICE and a general desire to “kill individuals.”
The affidavit confirms that Chandler identified himself in the calls and provided his address, with the phone number traced back to him through publicly available information.
Chandler’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday.
The FBI released a statement noting:
“This morning, FBI Pittsburgh and the U.S. Secret Service arrested Raymond Chandler for threatening to kill federal officials, including President Trump and members of Congress. The FBI does not tolerate threats of violence and will work tirelessly to protect our public servants and all members of our community.”
Chandler has plans to run for Senate against incumbent John Fetterman in 2028, promoting a platform that includes taxing billionaires and providing universal basic income.
In an open letter to Sen. Dave McCormick, Chandler characterized himself as a Quaker committed to nonviolence, while also criticizing McCormick’s voicemails.
His campaign has not responded to requests for comment.
