A Pennsylvania man who announced plans to run for the U.S. Senate has been indicted by a federal grand jury after allegedly making violent threats against President Donald Trump, federal immigration agents, and members of Congress.
Federal prosecutors say the case involves a series of threatening voicemails and messages sent over several months. The accused, Raymond Chandler III, now faces multiple federal charges related to threats against government officials.
Federal Grand Jury Returns Five-Count Indictment
According to federal authorities, 40-year-old Raymond Chandler III was indicted in Pittsburgh on five counts of threatening federal officials.
Prosecutors allege that Chandler left several voicemails targeting public officials, including the President of the United States, federal immigration agents, and a member of Congress.
The charges include allegations of influencing, impeding, or retaliating against federal officials through threats.
Authorities stress that the allegations remain accusations, and Chandler is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Alleged Threats Against President Donald Trump
Court documents claim Chandler made several threatening statements regarding President Donald Trump over a period of time.
According to the indictment, one message allegedly urged government officials to arrest, impeach, convict, and execute the president.
Federal prosecutors also allege that Chandler later left another voicemail expressing support for violence and stating that the president deserved death.
Investigators included these statements as part of the evidence presented to the grand jury.
ICE Agents Also Allegedly Targeted
Authorities say Chandler allegedly made threatening remarks about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
According to court filings, he reportedly expressed support for violent actions against federal immigration officers and made statements encouraging armed resistance.
These allegations form a significant part of the federal case against him.
Threats Against Member of Congress and Family
Federal prosecutors also accuse Chandler of threatening a member of Congress and the lawmaker’s family.
Court documents allege that he left voicemails describing violent scenarios involving the official and their daughter.
Investigators claim the messages contained graphic threats intended to intimidate and frighten the targeted individuals.
The identity of the member of Congress has not been publicly disclosed in the indictment details.
Political Campaign and Public Positions
Authorities noted that Chandler maintained a website promoting his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania.
The website reportedly included political positions such as:
| Campaign Position | Description |
|---|---|
| Tax the Billionaires | Higher taxes on wealthy individuals |
| Fight Against Corruption | Government reform efforts |
| Abolish ICE | Elimination of the federal immigration agency |
Federal investigators argued that some of the statements allegedly made by Chandler reflected views promoted on his campaign platform, though prosecutors claim he discussed using violence to achieve certain goals.
FBI Arrest and Evidence Presented
The FBI arrested Chandler on May 1, 2026, after investigators reviewed multiple reported voicemails and threats.
During detention hearings, prosecutors reportedly presented excerpts from a journal allegedly belonging to Chandler.
According to court records, the journal contained writings that investigators believe support the allegations in the indictment.
A federal magistrate judge reviewed the evidence and determined there was strong evidence supporting the charges.
As a result, Chandler was ordered to remain in custody while awaiting trial.
Legal Process Moving Forward
The case will now proceed through the federal court system in Pennsylvania.
Prosecutors are expected to present evidence including recorded voicemails, written materials, and witness testimony. Defence attorneys will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations during future court proceedings.
While the charges are serious, the legal process requires that all allegations be tested in court before any determination of guilt is made. The case has drawn national attention because of the alleged threats against high-profile government officials and federal agencies. Further hearings are expected as federal prosecutors continue to pursue the case.
