Ohio Man ARRESTED – VP Assassination Plot Exposed

Man in suit gesturing with hands on stage.

An Ohio man faces federal charges for explicitly threatening to assassinate Vice President JD Vance with an M14 rifle while possessing child sexual abuse material on his phone, underscoring the urgent need to protect our leaders from depraved political violence.

Story Snapshot

Shannon Mathre, 33, from Toledo, Ohio, charged with threatening to kill VP Vance during his January 2026 Ohio visit, posting online about using an M14 to assassinate him.
Secret Service investigation uncovered multiple CSAM files on Mathre’s seized Samsung phone, adding up to 20 years in potential prison time.
Mathre pleaded not guilty on February 6, 2026; his attorney claims severe health issues make the threat a “farce.”
Attorney General Pamela Bondi vows vigorous prosecution, emphasizing zero tolerance for such disgusting threats against officials.
Custody hearing set for February 11 amid rising threats to Vance, including a recent home vandalism in Ohio.

The Threat Against Vice President Vance

Shannon Mathre, a 33-year-old Toledo resident, posted an explicit online threat during Vice President JD Vance’s January 2026 visit to Ohio. He wrote, “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 U.S. Secret Service, alerted by public tips, launched an immediate investigation. Federal authorities treat such direct assassination threats as serious political violence, especially targeting a high-profile figure like Vance, an Ohio native serving under President Trump. This incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by leaders upholding conservative values amid national polarization.

Discovery of Child Sexual Abuse Material

On January 21, 2026, Secret Service agents seized Mathre’s Samsung phone as part of probing his actions and behavior beyond the online post. The device contained multiple digital files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Mathre now faces up to five years for the threat and 20 years for CSAM possession in the Northern District of Ohio. U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer stated threats against officials will not be tolerated. This dual prosecution demonstrates DOJ’s commitment to rooting out intertwined crimes, protecting children and national security from individuals hiding depravity behind screens.

Not Guilty Plea and Defense Strategy

Mathre pleaded not guilty on February 6, 2026, during his initial court appearance. Defense attorney Neil McElroy argued the threat charge amounts to a “farce” due to Mathre’s severe physical and mental health disabilities, which he claims render any action implausible. McElroy highlighted Mathre’s visible conditions but has not yet addressed the CSAM charges. A custody hearing is scheduled for February 11 to decide pretrial detention. While health issues may factor into sentencing, conservatives affirm that possessing CSAM demands full accountability, regardless of personal challenges, to safeguard innocent victims and uphold justice.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi declared the DOJ will vigorously prosecute this disgusting threat, stressing perpetrators cannot hide from federal reach. Secret Service Toledo Resident Agent in Charge Matthew Schierloh praised the joint investigation and public vigilance that enabled swift action. These statements reflect law enforcement’s zero-tolerance stance on violence against protectees like Vance, who was in Italy for the Milan Winter Olympics during the charging.

Broader Context and Implications

This case follows a January 5 break-in at Vance’s Ohio home by William D. DeFoor, who smashed windows, signaling heightened local threats against the vice president. DOJ patterns show threat probes often uncover additional crimes like CSAM through device seizures, setting precedents for expanded searches. Short-term, expect increased Secret Service scrutiny in Ohio; long-term, stiffer penalties reinforce protections for officials and children. Under President Trump’s administration, such aggressive prosecutions counter the lawlessness of past years, restoring order and prioritizing American safety over excuses.

For Toledo residents and patriots nationwide, Mathre’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of the real threats posed by unhinged individuals amid political tensions. With Vance targeted repeatedly, bolstering protections aligns with conservative priorities of strong law enforcement and family safety. The February 11 hearing will test whether judges prioritize public security over defense pleas, a key watchpoint for those frustrated by lenient past policies.