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An Ohio man is facing federal charges for allegedly threatening to kill Vice President JD Vance during the VP’s visit to his home state last month, according to court documents filed this week. Shannon Mathre, 33, of Toledo has pleaded not guilty to making the threat, which prosecutors say included a statement that he would “find out where he (the vice president) is going to be and use my M14 automatic gun and kill him.”
During the investigation, authorities also discovered digital files allegedly depicting child sexual abuse on Mathre’s Samsung phone, which was seized on January 21. This additional charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, significantly more than the maximum five-year term associated with the threat charge.
Mathre’s defense attorney, Neil McElroy, questioned the credibility of the threat charge, suggesting his client would be physically and mentally incapable of carrying out such an act. “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 stated following his client’s court appearance on Friday. While declining to provide specific details, McElroy noted that Mathre has “some mental disabilities and a variety of other conditions.”
The defense attorney reserved comment on the child sexual abuse materials charge, explaining that prosecutors have not yet provided details about that aspect of the case.
Despite questions about Mathre’s capability to execute the threat, federal officials emphasized the seriousness with which they approached the investigation. The Secret Service conducted a comprehensive assessment that went beyond the online statement, examining Mathre’s actions and behavior patterns.
“Our attorneys are vigorously prosecuting this disgusting threat against Vice President Vance,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “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, reinforced this stance, stating that “hostile and violent threats made against the Vice President, or any other public official, will not be tolerated in our district.”
This incident marks the second security concern involving the Vice President’s Ohio connections in recent months. In early January, another Ohio man, 26-year-old William D. DeFoor, was arrested after allegedly breaking windows at Vance’s Ohio residence. The Secret Service apprehended DeFoor as he fled from the property on January 5, shortly after the Vice President had returned to Washington following a weekend visit to his home state.
Matthew Schierloh, the Secret Service agent in charge of the Toledo office, credited vigilant members of the public and the agency’s special agents with conducting a thorough investigation leading to Mathre’s arrest. “The safety and security of those we protect is paramount to everything we do,” Schierloh said, adding that there should be “zero tolerance for any kind of political violence in this country.”
The incidents come amid heightened concerns about threats against public officials across the political spectrum. Law enforcement agencies have reported an increase in politically motivated threats in recent years, prompting enhanced security measures for many high-ranking government officials.
Vice President Vance, who was not harmed in either incident, is currently in Milan, Italy, attending the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games as part of the official U.S. delegation.
Mathre is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday for a detention hearing to determine whether he will remain in custody as the case proceeds through the judicial system.
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6 Comments
Allegations of threats against leaders should always be taken seriously, but the defense attorney’s statements about the suspect’s condition raise questions. I hope the full truth comes to light through the judicial system.
You make a good point. The suspect’s mental and physical capabilities will be an important factor for the court to consider.
The allegations of a threat against the Vice President are deeply concerning. However, the defense’s claims about the suspect’s condition warrant further examination before rushing to judgment. A careful, impartial process is essential.
This is a complex and troubling case that highlights the need for thorough investigation and fair judicial proceedings. The public will be watching closely to see how it is handled.
This is a very concerning case. Threatening a public official and possessing child abuse materials are serious charges. It’s important the legal process plays out to determine the facts and ensure justice is served.
Threats of violence are never acceptable, especially against elected officials. However, the additional charges related to child abuse materials are particularly disturbing. This case deserves close scrutiny to ensure all facts are examined.