A Pennsylvania man faces federal charges for allegedly threatening to kill a U.S. congressman and urging the representative to assassinate President Donald Trump. Raymond Chandler III left disturbing voicemails outlining violent scenarios tied to wealth inequality and political grievances. The FBI reviewed the threats after the congressman's office reported them.
Raymond Chandler III, who has launched a campaign website for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania to challenge Sen. John Fetterman, faces two federal charges: influencing, impeding or retaliating against a federal official by threatening a family member, and by threat. An FBI affidavit details voicemails left for an unidentified U.S. representative. Federal authorities reviewed recordings dating back a year, including Chandler's name and address provided by the congressman's office on April 28, 2026. A magistrate judge in the U.S. Western District of Pennsylvania has been assigned to the case, though no court appearance date has been set. On April 18, Chandler allegedly described a scenario where billionaires' homes are surrounded by crowds armed with knives, leading to throats being slit. He tied this to wealth concentration and greed, warning, 'You will not escape their wrath. We must redistribute the wealth away from people like you.' Eleven days later, on April 29, he escalated by instructing the congressman to enter the Oval Office, put a gun to President Trump's head, and pull the trigger. 'I am petitioning you, Senator for redress of grievances. My redress of grievances is that this president is awful,' Chandler said in the voicemail, calling Trump 'a liar among all liars' and 'the antichrist.' He framed the request as free speech and challenged repercussions. Chandler has a history of threats, including against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in April 2025, where he mentioned buying a combat knife and dagger out of fear of government actions. He also expressed intent to 'personally kill' and build gallows to hang the congressman, stating violence had become necessary.
