Man Arrested For Making Threats To Elected Officials

SAN JOSE - A Palo Alto man was arrested today for sending threats of violence to a United States Congresswoman and a Florida State Representative. The defendant, Aaditya Chand was arrested earlier today.

According to the criminal complaint unsealed earlier today, on Feb. 15, 2024, Chand, 22, allegedly used an Instagram account to send direct messages to a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (identified in the complaint as "Victim 1"). The messages stated, "I'm gonna shoot up ur office tomorrow u Palestinian scum," and "Get ready." The complaint alleges that the messages were received by Victim 1's staff in Washington, D.C.

In addition, Chand allegedly used his Instagram account to send another direct message over Instagram to a Florida State Representative (identified in the complaint as Victim 2). Federal agents allegedly viewed Chand's Instagram messages to the Florida representative during an interview of the defendant. The threatening Instagram message allegedly states, "I'm gonna bring a gun to ur office tomorrow and shoot u and ur staff."

The complaint charges Chand with a felony, transmitting in interstate or foreign commerce a communication containing a threat to injure a person, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c).

A criminal complaint merely alleges that crimes have been committed and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Chand is scheduled to make his initial federal court appearance later today before United States Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen. If convicted, Chand faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment. In addition, the defendant may be ordered to pay restitution if appropriate. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the Court only after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey and United States Capitol Police Chief of Police J. Thomas Manger.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Johnny James, with assistance from Susan Kreider. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the United States Capitol Police.