An Ohio man, Shannon Mathre, was indicted on federal charges alleging he threatened to kill Vice President JD Vance and possessed digital files depicting child sexual abuse. Mathre pleaded not guilty; his lawyer says health and mental challenges make the threat implausible. Authorities seized Mathre’s phone on Jan. 21 and say the Secret Service and DOJ treated the online threat seriously. He returns to court Wednesday for a detention hearing.
Ohio Man Indicted for Alleged Threat to Kill Vice President JD Vance; Also Charged Over Child-Abuse Files
Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance cheer on team USA during the Olympic opening ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
An Ohio man, Shannon Mathre, has been indicted on federal charges alleging he threatened to kill Vice President JD Vance while Vance was visiting Ohio last month. Mathre, 33, of Toledo, pleaded not guilty at a hearing on Friday. His attorney says Mathre’s physical and mental health make it unlikely he could have carried out the alleged threat.
Prosecutors also say investigators discovered digital files depicting child sexual abuse during the probe. The count alleging possession of those files carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison; the charge related to threats against the vice president carries a maximum of five years.
Allegations and Investigation
Federal authorities say they treated the threat seriously after Mathre allegedly posted: “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 indictment filed in court provides limited detail about the post or the images investigators say were found.
The Secret Service said its inquiry extended beyond the online statement to review Mathre’s actions and behavior. Agents seized Mathre’s Samsung phone on Jan. 21 as part of the investigation.
US Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance attend the Olympic opening ceremony at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Andreas Rentz/Pool Photo via AP)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Defense Statement
Defense lawyer Neil McElroy told the court he could not comment on the possession allegation because prosecutors had not yet provided discovery. McElroy urged observers to consider Mathre’s visible health and mental challenges, saying, “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.” He declined to detail the specific health issues.
Official Responses
Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement: “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.” David M. Toepfer, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, added: “Hostile and violent threats made against the Vice President, or any other public official, will not be tolerated in our district.”
The Secret Service’s Toledo office chief, Matthew Schierloh, emphasized a zero-tolerance stance against political violence and credited public vigilance and a joint investigation for the arrest.
Related Incident and Next Steps
The case follows a separate incident in which another Ohio man, William D. DeFoor, 26, was arrested on Jan. 5 after authorities say he broke windows at Vance’s Ohio residence. Vice President Vance is currently in Milan, Italy, attending the start of the Winter Olympic Games.
Mathre is scheduled to return to court Wednesday for a hearing to determine whether he will remain detained as the case proceeds. As with all defendants, the charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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