Ohio Man Indicted for Alleged Threat to Kill Vice President Vance

Prosecutors say suspect outlined specific plan to 'find and kill the vice president with an M14'

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal prosecutors have indicted a 33-year-old Ohio man, Shannon Mathre, for allegedly threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance. Authorities say Mathre made explicit threats against Vance ahead of the Republican leader's visit to Ohio last month, prompting a swift response from the Secret Service and the Justice Department. During the investigation, federal agents also uncovered additional criminal activity, including Mathre's alleged possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.

Why it matters

This case highlights the Justice Department's efforts to aggressively pursue threats against national leaders, emphasizing that violent rhetoric aimed at elected officials will be treated as a serious federal crime. The discovery of Mathre's alleged involvement in child exploitation material also heightens the severity of the case.

The details

According to the indictment, Mathre allegedly said he intended 'to find out where the vice president is going to be and use M14 automatic gun and kill him.' Mathre was arrested by US Secret Service agents on Friday and appeared in court the same day, where a judge ordered him to remain in custody. If convicted, the charge carries a possible sentence of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

  • Mathre allegedly made the threat during Vance's visit to Ohio in January 2026.
  • Mathre was arrested by US Secret Service agents on February 6, 2026.
  • A detention hearing for Mathre is scheduled for February 11, 2026.

The players

Shannon Mathre

A 33-year-old Ohio man who was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to threatening a presidential successor.

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States.

Todd Blanche

The Deputy Attorney General who commented on the case.

David M. Toepfer

The US Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio who commented on the case.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who condemned the alleged threat and warned that anonymity does not protect from prosecution.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“While arresting this man for allegedly threatening to murder the Vice President of the United States, a serious crime in and of itself, federal law enforcement discovered that he was also in possession of child sexual abuse materials.”

— Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General (Twitter)

“Hostile and violent threats made against the Vice President, or any other public official, will not be tolerated in our District. Anyone threatening this kind of action will face swift justice and prosecution.”

— David M. Toepfer, US Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio (meaww.com)

“You can hide behind a screen, but you cannot hide from this Department of Justice.”

— Pam Bondi, Attorney General (meaww.com)

What’s next

A detention hearing for Shannon Mathre is scheduled for February 11, 2026, where a judge will decide whether to allow him to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the Justice Department's commitment to aggressively pursuing threats against elected officials, even those made online, and the potential for such cases to uncover additional criminal activity. It serves as a warning that anonymity does not protect individuals from prosecution for making violent threats against public figures.