Ohio Man Charged Over Alleged Threat to Kill VP Vance

Investigators also uncover child sexual abuse materials during probe of threat, prosecutors say.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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An Ohio man named Shannon Mathre has been charged with threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance during the VP's trip to northwestern Ohio in January. As investigators looked into the alleged threat, they also discovered digital files containing child sexual abuse materials on Mathre's devices. Mathre is facing charges of making threats against the president and successors to the presidency, as well as receipt and distribution of child pornography.

Why it matters

Threats against elected officials are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement, as they pose a risk to public safety and the stability of the government. The discovery of child sexual abuse materials during the investigation also raises significant concerns about Mathre's potential involvement in the exploitation of minors.

The details

Shannon Mathre, 31, of Toledo, Ohio, was arrested on Feb. 6 by the Secret Service after a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against him. Prosecutors allege that Mathre said he planned to find out where Vance would be and 'use my M14 automatic gun and kill him.' In addition to the threat charge, Mathre is also charged with receipt and distribution of child pornography.

  • Mathre was arrested on Feb. 6, 2026.
  • The alleged threat against VP Vance occurred during the VP's trip to northwestern Ohio in January 2026.

The players

Shannon Mathre

A 31-year-old Ohio man charged with threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance and possession of child sexual abuse materials.

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, who was the target of Mathre's alleged threat.

David Toepfer

The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, who stated that anyone threatening this kind of action will face swift justice and prosecution.

Neil McElroy

The attorney representing Shannon Mathre, who argued that the threat charge is not credible given his client's mental and physical condition.

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What they’re saying

“Anyone threatening this kind of action will face swift justice and prosecution.”

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

“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, Attorney representing Shannon Mathre (Department of Justice)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the seriousness with which law enforcement treats threats against elected officials, as well as the importance of thoroughly investigating such threats, as the probe into Mathre's actions uncovered additional disturbing evidence of potential criminal activity.