Ohio Man Indicted for Threatening VP Vance's Life, Child Porn Charges

Shannon Mathre, 33, faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A federal grand jury in Ohio has indicted 33-year-old Shannon Mathre for threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance and for receiving and distributing child pornography. Mathre, a Toledo resident, allegedly made online threats to use an M14 rifle to kill Vance during the VP's visit to the area in January. Investigators also found child sex abuse materials in Mathre's possession during his arrest.

Why it matters

Threats against high-ranking government officials are taken extremely seriously by law enforcement, especially in the wake of the January 6th attack on the US Capitol. This case highlights the ongoing challenge of monitoring and responding to online extremism and the need to aggressively prosecute those who make credible threats of violence.

The details

According to the indictment, Mathre posted online that he planned to learn Vance's whereabouts and use an M14 rifle to kill the vice president. Secret Service agents arrested Mathre on Friday after the grand jury indictment earlier in the week. During the arrest, investigators also found child sex abuse materials in Mathre's possession, leading to additional charges.

  • Mathre allegedly made the online threat against VP Vance in January 2026 during the VP's visit to northwestern Ohio.
  • Mathre was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 7, 2026.
  • Mathre was arrested by Secret Service agents on February 7, 2026.

The players

Shannon Mathre

A 33-year-old resident of Toledo, Ohio who was indicted for threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance and for receiving and distributing child pornography.

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States.

Pamela Bondi

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

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What they’re saying

“Our attorneys are vigorously prosecuting this disgusting threat against Vice President Vance.”

— Pamela Bondi, Attorney General (Breitbart)

What’s next

Mathre has a detention hearing scheduled for February 12, 2026 to determine if he will be held in custody pending trial.

The takeaway

This case underscores the serious consequences for making threats against high-level government officials, as well as the need for continued vigilance in monitoring and responding to online extremism and the distribution of illegal content like child pornography.