Ohio Man Charged for Threatening to Kill Vice President Vance

33-year-old Toledo resident accused of threatening VP during January visit

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A federal grand jury has charged a 33-year-old Toledo man, Shannon Mathre, with threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance during his visit to the Northwest Ohio region in January. Mathre is also accused of distributing and receiving images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Why it matters

Threats against public officials, especially the Vice President, are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement. This case highlights the need for robust security measures to protect elected leaders, as well as the broader issue of online exploitation of minors.

The details

According to the indictment, Mathre allegedly said, "I am going to find out where he (the vice president) is going to be and use my M14 automatic gun and kill him." Mathre was arrested by Secret Service agents on February 6th. During their investigation into the threats against the VP, federal agents also found multiple digital files of child sexual abuse material in Mathre's possession.

  • Mathre allegedly made the threat against Vice President Vance in January 2026 during his visit to the Northwest Ohio region.
  • Mathre was arrested by Secret Service agents on February 6, 2026.

The players

Shannon Mathre

A 33-year-old Toledo resident who has been charged with threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance and possessing child sexual abuse material.

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States.

David M. Toepfer

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, who stated that threatening behavior against public officials will be swiftly prosecuted.

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What they’re saying

“I am going to find out where he (the vice president) is going to be and use my M14 automatic gun and kill him.”

— Shannon Mathre (Indictment)

“Hostile and violent threats made against the Vice President, or any other public official, will not be tolerated in our District.”

— David M. Toepfer, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio (WHIO)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case underscores the serious consequences for making threats against public officials, as well as the need for continued vigilance in protecting elected leaders and addressing the exploitation of minors online.