Ohio Man Indicted for Threatening VP Vance & Child Pornography Charges

TOLEDO, Ohio – A federal grand jury has indicted a 33-year-old Ohio man on charges of threatening the life of Vice President JD Vance and possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material. The indictment, handed down earlier this week and unsealed on February 7, 2026, comes amid a broader pattern of threats against current and former U.S. Political figures.

Shannon Mathre, of Toledo, Ohio, allegedly stated he would locate Vice President Vance and kill him using an M14 service rifle. The threat was made while Vance was visiting northwestern Ohio in January, according to officials. Secret Service agents arrested Mathre on Friday, February 6th.

The Justice Department alleges that Mathre possessed and distributed child sexual abuse material between December 31, 2025, and January 21, 2026. The discovery of this material occurred during the investigation into the threats against Vice President Vance.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a statement emphasizing the seriousness of the charges. Our attorneys are vigorously prosecuting this disgusting threat against Vice President Vance, Bondi said. You can hide behind a screen, but you cannot hide from this Department of Justice.

If convicted on the charge of threatening the Vice President, Mathre faces a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges related to the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material carry a significantly heavier penalty: up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Mathre was arraigned on Friday and is currently in custody awaiting a detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday, February 11th.

The case highlights a growing concern over threats directed at U.S. Political leaders. Just days before Mathre’s indictment, Colin Demarco, a 26-year-old Maryland resident, was charged with attempted murder for allegedly traveling to the home of Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought with a firearm. Demarco reportedly expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the outcome of the November 5, 2024, election.

The Justice Department has noted an increase in threats against Vice President Vance and former President Donald Trump since 2024, when the two ran on the Republican presidential ticket. Last month, a separate incident involved damage to Vice President Vance’s home in Ohio, leading to criminal charges.

A U.S. Secret Service spokesman emphasized the thoroughness of the investigation into Mathre’s alleged threats. The investigation included not only what the defendant said online and to people, but also his actions, and behavior. We have been following this for several months with our partners at the FBI and in Ohio, the spokesman stated. As a society, we must remain united in our zero tolerance for political violence. This individual will now answer for his actions to a federal court.

While the Justice Department is pursuing the case aggressively, Mathre’s lawyer, Neil McElroy, has suggested that his client’s health may be a mitigating factor. McElroy stated that Mathre’s physical and mental condition are readily apparent and questioned the plausibility of the threat. 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, McElroy said, declining to elaborate on the specifics of Mathre’s health challenges.

The investigation into the child sexual abuse material remains ongoing, and prosecutors have yet to provide details about the specific files allegedly possessed by Mathre. The Secret Service indicated that the investigation extended beyond online statements to encompass a broader assessment of Mathre’s activities.

The arrest of Shannon Mathre adds to a concerning trend of politically motivated threats and violence in the United States, raising questions about the security of public officials and the potential for escalation in a deeply polarized political climate. The case is being closely watched by law enforcement and political observers alike.

Vice President Vance, who was in Italy attending the Winter Olympic Games in Milan at the time of Mathre’s arrest, has not yet publicly commented on the incident. Reports indicate that he and Second Lady Usha Vance were met with boos during the Opening Ceremony of the Games, reflecting international criticism of Trump administration policies.