Ohio Man Charged with Threatening to Kill Senator JD Vance

Jordi Bashirian

Published: February 7, 2026 6:42 PM ET

Ohio Man Charged with Threatening to Kill Senator JD Vance

Authorities in Ohio have charged a 33-year-old man, Shannon Mathre, with making threats against Vice President JD Vance. This incident occurred on January 21, when Mathre allegedly declared he would use an M14 rifle to “kill” Vance. Federal prosecutors disclosed the indictment on Wednesday, detailing the seriousness of the threats made prior to Vance’s public appearance in Toledo.

Details of the Threat

Mathre’s alarming statement coincided with Vance’s scheduled event in Toledo, where he discussed economic policies. It remains unclear whether Mathre communicated his intentions verbally or in writing. The timing of the threat raised concerns among law enforcement agencies.

Investigation and Additional Charges

During the investigation into Mathre’s threats, law enforcement discovered child sexual abuse materials on his personal device. Subsequently, he has been indicted on multiple charges:

Threats against the Vice President and successors.
Receipt and distribution of child pornography.

Legal Representation

Neil S. McElroy, Mathre’s attorney, declined to comment on the child pornography allegations. However, he believes the charge related to the threat against Vance is exaggerated. In a recent email, McElroy argued that while the administration is focused on violence threats, Mathre’s case should not be seen as a clear indicator of such issues.

Potential Consequences

Mathre was arrested on Friday and is currently detained at the Lucas County Corrections Center. He is awaiting a detention hearing scheduled for the following Wednesday. Prosecutors indicated that if convicted, Mathre could face significant prison time: up to five years for the threat and as much as 20 years for the child pornography charge.

Public Safety Statement

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the severity of Mathre’s threat. She stated, “You can hide behind a screen, but you cannot hide from this Department of Justice.” The administration is committed to addressing such threats with vigor.