Shannon Mathre, a Toledo, Ohio resident, faces federal charges for threatening to assassinate US Vice President JD Vance during his visit to the state last month. He is also accused of possessing digital files depicting child sexual abuse. His lawyer argues that health issues make the threat implausible.
Shannon Mathre, 33, from Toledo, Ohio, has been charged with threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance. The threat came amid Vance's visit to his home state last month. According to the indictment, Mathre stated: “I’m going to find out where he’s going to be (the vice president) and use my M14 automatic weapon to kill him”.
The Secret Service launched an investigation that went beyond the online post, scrutinizing Mathre's actions. On January 21, authorities seized his Samsung phone. Mathre pleaded not guilty on Friday in court, where his attorney, Neil McElroy, pointed to his mental and physical disabilities. “Anyone who spends time in a room with Mr. Mathre or knows his condition can see it’s a farce,” McElroy said, declining to specify details.
The charges include threatening a public official, carrying a maximum five-year sentence, and possessing child sexual abuse material, which could lead to up to 20 years in prison. Attorney General Pamela Bondi denounced the threat in a statement: “You can hide behind a screen, but you can’t hide from this Department of Justice.” Federal prosecutor David M. Toepfer stressed that “hostile and violent threats against the vice president will not be tolerated.”
This case follows another recent incident in Ohio: on January 5, 26-year-old William D. DeFoor was arrested for breaking windows at Vance's home in the state. Vance is currently in Milan, Italy, for the Winter Olympics. Secret Service agent Matthew Schierloh emphasized: “The safety of those we protect is paramount.”
