Ohio Man Charged for Threatening to Kill VP Vance, Possessing Child Abuse Files

Shannon Mathre indicted for threatening Vice President JD Vance and possessing child sexual abuse material

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A 33-year-old man from Toledo, Ohio named Shannon Mathre has been indicted by a federal grand jury for threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance and possessing digital files depicting child sexual abuse. Mathre was arrested by the Secret Service and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the child abuse charges, in addition to a 5-year maximum sentence for the threat against the Vice President.

Why it matters

Threats against high-ranking government officials are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement, especially in the current political climate. The discovery of child abuse material during the investigation also raises concerns about Mathre's online activities and potential exploitation of minors.

The details

According to the indictment, Mathre said he was going to "use my M14 automatic gun and kill" Vice President Vance during Vance's visit to Ohio last month. Mathre was arrested on Friday by the Secret Service. His attorney argued that Mathre's "mental and physical conditions" made it unlikely he could have carried out the threat, but the Department of Justice and Secret Service still deemed the threat credible enough to warrant an investigation and arrest. In addition to the charges related to the threat against Vance, investigators also found that Mathre had received and distributed sexually explicit images involving minors between December 2025 and January 2026.

  • Mathre allegedly made the threat against VP Vance last month during the Vice President's visit to Ohio.
  • Mathre was arrested by the Secret Service on Friday, February 7, 2026.
  • Mathre was indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this week, the week of February 3, 2026.

The players

Shannon Mathre

A 33-year-old man from Toledo, Ohio who was indicted for threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance and possessing child sexual abuse material.

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, who Mathre allegedly threatened to kill.

Neil McElroy

The attorney representing Shannon Mathre, who argued that Mathre's mental and physical conditions made it unlikely he could have carried out the threat against VP Vance.

Todd Blanche

The Deputy Attorney General who thanked federal, state and local partners for working together to "bring justice twofold to this depraved individual".

Pamela Bondi

The Attorney General who stated "You can hide behind a screen, but you cannot hide from this Department of Justice" in regards to prosecuting the threat against VP Vance.

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What they’re saying

“'Anyone that spends any time in a room with Mr. Mathre or has any knowledge of his condition -- physical condition, mental condition -- can see that it's a farce.'”

— Neil McElroy, Mathre's attorney (WTVG/Gray News)

“'Thank you to federal, state and local partners in working together to bring justice twofold to this depraved individual.'”

— Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General (WTVG/Gray News)

“'Our attorneys are vigorously prosecuting this disgusting threat against Vice President Vance. You can hide behind a screen, but you cannot hide from this Department of Justice.'”

— Pamela Bondi, Attorney General (WTVG/Gray News)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Shannon Mathre to be released on bail while awaiting trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the seriousness with which law enforcement treats threats against high-ranking government officials, as well as the disturbing discovery of child abuse material during the investigation. It underscores the need for vigilance in monitoring online activities and the exploitation of minors.