Ohio Man Charged With Threatening Vice President Vance, Possessing Child Abuse Material

Shannon Mathre allegedly threatened to kill Vance with an 'M14 automatic gun' and was found with child sexual abuse images.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal agents have arrested Shannon Mathre, a 33-year-old Ohio man, on charges of threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance and possessing child pornography. Mathre allegedly made the threat against Vance during the vice president's January visit to Northwest Ohio, stating he would use an 'M14 automatic gun' to kill him. Investigators discovered multiple digital files containing images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct while examining evidence related to the threat.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dual threat of individuals who engage in both violent criminal acts and the exploitation of minors. The arrest comes weeks after another man faced federal charges for vandalizing Vance's Cincinnati home, raising concerns about the safety of public officials.

The details

According to the Department of Justice, Mathre was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of threatening to kill the vice president and possessing child pornography. U.S. Secret Service agents arrested Mathre on Feb. 6. Investigators found the child sexual abuse material while examining evidence related to the threat against Vance.

  • Mathre allegedly made the threat on Jan. 21, 2026, one day before Vance arrived in Toledo to deliver remarks.
  • Mathre was arrested on Feb. 6, 2026.

The players

Shannon Mathre

A 33-year-old Ohio man who was indicted on charges of threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance and possessing child pornography.

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States.

Pamela Bondi

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

Todd Blanche

The Deputy Attorney General who called attention to the dual nature of the charges against Mathre.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Pamela Bondi, Attorney General (Department of Justice)

“'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 (Department of Justice)

What’s next

Mathre pleaded not guilty to both charges during his initial court appearance and remains in custody ahead of a Feb. 11 detention hearing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dual threat posed by individuals who engage in both violent criminal acts and the exploitation of minors. It underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to protect public officials and vulnerable members of society.