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Prosecutors allege he said such violence was justified because “wealth concentration has gotten so bad in this country.”
According to the affidavit, congressional staff contacted law enforcement after Chandler’s messages became increasingly threatening toward the president, members of Congress, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Hours before his arrest, Chandler posted a YouTube video announcing his campaign for the U.S. Senate, saying he intended to challenge Sen. John Fetterman in the 2028 Democratic primary.
Separately, prosecutors continue to pursue charges against Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California, in connection with the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
According to the Department of Justice, Allen is accused of entering the Washington Hilton armed with multiple weapons and attempting to reach the ballroom where President Trump, Cabinet officials, and journalists were gathered.
During his initial court appearance, Allen was advised of the charges against him.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Allen appeared in court wearing a blue jail uniform and faces charges including attempted assassination of the President of the United States, discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence, and transporting a firearm across state lines, Fox News reported.
As he was led into the courtroom by marshals, he scanned the public gallery, which included over 40 members of the press and general public.
He nodded as Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh explained various aspects of the proceedings.
“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.”
“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.