Ohio Man Charged With Threatening To Kill VP Vance

Shannon Mathre also faces child abuse material charges after Secret Service investigation

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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An Ohio man named Shannon Mathre, 33, has been charged with threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance during his visit to Northwest Ohio in January. Mathre was also charged with receiving and distributing child sexual abuse materials discovered during the investigation into the alleged threats. He was arrested by U.S. Secret Service agents on Friday and pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing security concerns for high-ranking government officials and the Secret Service's aggressive prosecution of threats against protected individuals. The charges come amid heightened tensions around political violence, with officials emphasizing zero tolerance for threats against public servants.

The details

According to the federal indictment, Mathre allegedly stated, "I am going to find out where he (the vice president) is going to be and use my M14 automatic gun and kill him." The threat charge carries a maximum five-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine. While investigating the alleged threats, federal agents discovered multiple digital files of child sexual abuse materials in Mathre's possession. The grand jury charged that from approximately December 31, 2025, to January 21, 2026, Mathre was engaged in the receipt and distribution of images depicting minors in sexually explicit conduct.

  • Mathre was arrested by U.S. Secret Service agents on Friday (February 7, 2026).
  • Mathre pleaded not guilty to both charges on Friday (February 7, 2026).
  • Mathre is scheduled for a detention hearing on Wednesday (February 12, 2026).

The players

Shannon Mathre

A 33-year-old man from Toledo, Ohio who has been charged with threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance and possessing child abuse materials.

JD Vance

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

Neil McElroy

The defense attorney for Shannon Mathre who questioned the validity of the threat charge based on his client's health conditions.

Pamela Bondi

The Attorney General who stated that the Department of Justice is "vigorously prosecuting this disgusting threat against Vice President 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."

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What they’re saying

“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

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

— Todd Blanche, Deputy Attorney General

“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. Toepfe, Northern District of Ohio U.S. Attorney

“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 defense attorney

What’s next

Mathre appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Ohio on Friday and is scheduled for a detention hearing on Wednesday to determine whether he will remain in custody as the case proceeds.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of protecting high-ranking government officials from threats of violence, as well as the critical role of law enforcement in identifying and prosecuting individuals who engage in such behavior. It also underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing complex mental health and public safety issues within the criminal justice system.