An FBI spokesperson said agents, working with the U.S. Secret Service, arrested Chandler in Pittsburgh.
The allegations against him reportedly center on a series of voicemails that investigators say became increasingly threatening.
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. Prosecutors say the message described a violent scenario involving the lawmaker and the lawmaker’s family.
The affidavit alleges that Chandler attempted to justify the violence by pointing to what he described as extreme economic inequality, saying that “wealth concentration has gotten so bad in this country.”
Authorities allege that Chandler left another voicemail on April 29. This time, prosecutors say, the message urged a member of Congress to assassinate President Trump.
The affidavit also alleges that Chandler referred to Trump as “a liar among all liars” and “the antichrist.”
Those allegations prompted congressional staff members to contact law enforcement, according to prosecutors. Investigators were reportedly concerned that Chandler’s messages were becoming increasingly hostile toward Trump, members of Congress, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The timing of the arrest also drew attention.
Hours before authorities took him into custody, Chandler reportedly published a YouTube video announcing his campaign for the U.S. Senate. In the video, he said he planned to challenge Democratic Sen. John Fetterman in the 2028 primary.
His reported campaign agenda includes substantially higher taxes on billionaires, expanded government social programs, additional regulation of major technology companies, and the abolition of ICE.
The allegations against Chandler are serious, but they remain allegations unless and until established in court.
The case also comes against the backdrop of another much more direct security incident involving Trump earlier this year.
Cole Tomas Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, has been federally charged in connection with the April 25 shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in Washington, D.C.
Federal prosecutors accused Allen of attempting to reach the area where Trump, administration officials, and journalists were gathered while armed.
The Justice Department charged Allen with attempted assassination of the president, transporting a firearm and ammunition across state lines with the intent to commit a felony, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. Prosecutors later pursued additional charges, according to federal authorities.
During the initial proceedings, Allen appeared in court wearing a blue jail uniform and spoke quietly as the charges were explained.
He also looked toward the public gallery as U.S. marshals escorted him into the courtroom, where dozens of members of the media and public were present.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jocelyn Ballantine argued that Allen should remain behind bars while the case proceeded.
“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.”
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro also emphasized the seriousness of the investigation during a public statement.
“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.”
Pirro then made clear how prosecutors viewed the incident.
“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.
The two cases are different in nature, but together they highlight the increasingly dangerous environment surrounding American political figures.
Threats against presidents, lawmakers, and other public officials are not merely political rhetoric when they cross into alleged criminal conduct. They can trigger federal investigations, security responses, arrests, and potentially severe criminal penalties.
For Trump, the latest allegations serve as another reminder of the security challenges surrounding the presidency.
And for the country, the cases raise a broader question: how much political hostility can be tolerated before heated rhetoric gives way to real-world violence?
That question is becoming increasingly difficult for Washington to ignore.
