Palo Alto Man Accused Of Threatening To Shoot Politicians

PALO ALTO, CA — A Palo Alto man faces federal charges after prosecutors allege he threatened two elected officials with violence in messages sent over social media earlier this year.

According to the Department of Justice, Aaditya Chand, 22, was arrested Wednesday following an investigation into direct messages sent to the Instagram accounts of a U.S. congresswoman and Florida state representative in February.

In the first message, prosecutors allege Chand said "I'm gonna shoot up ur office tomorrow u Palestinian scum," followed by "Get ready." In the message directed at a state representative, prosecutors allege Chand wrote "I'm gonna bring a gun to ur office tomorrow and shoot u and ur staff."

Chand was scheduled for an initial appearance in federal court Wednesday afternoon to face a felony charge related to the threats. If convicted, he faces a maximum prison sentence of five years, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine as high as $250,000.

The case was investigated by U.S. Capitol Police and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny James.