Matthew Ammel, the former bodyguard of Kyrsten Sinema, was taken into custody for allegedly making threats against the ex-senator. This arrest comes about a month after he was accused of inflicting roughly $200,000 worth of damage to her residence.
Ammel, 39, was apprehended in a Phoenix Cheesecake Factory parking lot on Tuesday after police were alerted by his GPS monitor, as reported by Arizona Republic.
He was apprehended close to a gun shop after he dropped off a large, military-style knife to be engraved as a gift for his nephew’s Marine Corps boot camp graduation.
Court documents, which detail his turbulent behavior, reveal that Ammel had attempted to acquire a firearm and allegedly issued threats to kill a judge in North Carolina, and he even threatened to “take down” Sinema.
Ammel, who is a veteran and served in Iraq and Afghanistan before providing security for Sinema in 2022, was ordered to have no contact with her following his earlier arrest for the damage he caused to her property.
However, just two days later, he allegedly tried to get someone else to reach out to Sinema.
After reporting the violation to law enforcement on September 22, Sinema opted not to assist prosecutors, according to statements from Maricopa County officials.
Following the recent arrest, a judge set Ammel’s bond at $25,000, but prosecutors sought to raise it to $100,000, citing concerns over his threats.
The prosecution mentioned fears that Ammel could escalate his plans for retaliation if released, according to a filing by the Maricopa County Deputy Attorney.
Prosecutors also noted that he had been in touch with military associates about building a rifle and had discussed tactical gear and funeral arrangements, although they did not elaborate further.
Ammel chose not to appear in court for his arraignment, which has now been rescheduled to October 15.
He faces charges of felony criminal damage due to the substantial damage caused to Sinema’s home on August 30.
Ammel attributes his actions to frustration with American politics and claimed to have targeted her property because of his dissatisfaction with the political landscape.
He expressed his anger over the government and even insisted that what he did was not indicative of being a bad person. In a statement, he asserted, “I’m just really smart, and I have seen behind the curtains.”
Ammel insisted he had thrown the artwork into the pool after Sinema refused to post a video concerning soldiers aiding a wounded individual in Iraq.
He claimed Sinema has connections to companies benefiting from the ongoing issues in Gaza, though he did not specify which businesses.
Following his alleged threats, Ammel was reported to have warned Sinema that he would destroy her artwork if she didn’t comply, which led to significant damage to multiple pieces of art and several expensive items in her home.
The public revelation of Ammel’s relationship with Sinema came after his ex-wife filed a lawsuit against her for allegedly contributing to the end of their marriage.
Heather Ammel accused Sinema of having an affair with her husband during their trips together, which started a little over a year after Ammel began working for Sinema’s security detail.
According to reports, Sinema not only gave Ammel gifts but also financed his psychedelic treatment during their relationship.
She also invited him to social events, including a wedding and a Taylor Swift concert.
Sinema, who made history as the first openly bisexual person elected to Congress, acknowledged that their sexual relationship began in various cities across the country around Memorial Day 2024.
Interestingly, she did not run for re-election in 2024.
