Toledo Man Charged with Threatening to Kill VP Vance

Prosecutors say the suspect also had child sexual abuse materials

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A 33-year-old Ohio man has been charged with threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance during the VP's visit to Toledo in January. Authorities also found the suspect, Shannon Mathre, had digital files of child sexual abuse materials.

Why it matters

Threats against high-ranking government officials are taken extremely seriously, as they pose a risk to public safety and national security. The discovery of child pornography charges also raises concerns about the suspect's potential for further criminal behavior.

The details

According to the indictment, Mathre allegedly said he would "use my M14 automatic gun and kill" Vance during the VP's visit to a Toledo industrial facility on January 22. In addition to the threat charge, Mathre is also facing a child pornography charge for the possession of digital files of child sexual abuse materials.

  • On February 6, Secret Service agents arrested Shannon Mathre in Toledo.
  • On February 4, a grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Mathre, which was unsealed on February 6.
  • Vance spoke at a Toledo industrial shipping facility on January 22.

The players

Shannon Mathre

A 33-year-old Ohio man who has been 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 previously represented Ohio in the Senate.

Todd Blanche

The deputy attorney general who commented on the case.

Neil McElroy

Shannon Mathre's lawyer, who called the threat charge against his client a "farce".

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What they’re saying

“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)

“The allegation [of threatening the vice president] may buttress the administration's narrative regarding threats of violence aimed at members of the administration.”

— Neil McElroy, Lawyer for Shannon Mathre (Email)

What’s next

Mathre is scheduled to have his next hearing on February 11, where a judge will determine if he should be detained until trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious nature of threats against high-ranking government officials and the need for vigilance in protecting public safety. The discovery of child pornography charges also raises concerns about the suspect's potential for further criminal behavior, underscoring the importance of thorough investigations.