Ex-Bodyguard Accused of Threatening Kyrsten Sinema Arrested Again

Matthew Ammel, a former bodyguard and romantic partner of ex-Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, was arrested Tuesday on new charges, including allegedly threatening to "take down" the former lawmaker. The arrest occurred about a month after Ammel was accused of causing approximately $200,000 in damages to Sinema's Arizona home.

Ammel, 39, was apprehended in a Cheesecake Factory parking lot in Phoenix following a tip from his GPS monitor, according to the Arizona Republic. Authorities reportedly found him near a gun store where he had dropped off a large, military-style knife to be engraved as a gift.

Court documents indicate Ammel is also facing allegations of attempting to purchase a firearm and threatening to kill a North Carolina judge. These new charges follow his Sept. 17 arrest for allegedly vandalizing Sinema's Cave Creek property. As part of his release conditions from that arrest, Ammel was issued a no-contact order, which prosecutors allege he violated two days later by attempting to contact Sinema through an intermediary.

Sinema, 50, reported the alleged violation to police on Sept. 22. However, Maricopa County attorneys noted that the former senator declined to assist prosecutors in the case.

Prosecutors have requested Ammel's bond be increased to $100,000 cash-only, citing fears he may escalate his alleged retaliatory actions. Court filings indicate that Ammel allegedly contacted military friends to acquire a rifle, purchased tactical gear, and discussed funeral arrangements, though further context was not provided.

Ammel, an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was hired by Sinema's security team in 2022. He was charged with felony criminal damage after the August 30 incident at Sinema's home. He has since stated that his actions stemmed from disillusionment with the U.S. political system, claiming, "The American people have no idea how [f–ked] up our government is, and, like what our politicians spend their time doing."

He also claimed Sinema refused to post a video of soldiers helping a wounded man in Iraq and wanted her to investigate why his unit did not receive a Presidential Unit Citation. Ammel further alleged Sinema "works for some of the companies that financially benefit from the genocide in Gaza." During the alleged home destruction, he reportedly threatened to destroy a piece of Sinema's artwork every 10 minutes, ultimately throwing 22 paintings into her swimming pool. Additional damages included shattered alcohol bottles and a destroyed mirror.

Sinema's relationship with Ammel came to public attention after his ex-wife filed a lawsuit in North Carolina, accusing Sinema of destroying her marriage under the state's "homewrecker law." The lawsuit alleged Sinema sustained an affair with Ammel during their travels. Sinema, who did not seek re-election in 2024, has publicly acknowledged having sexual relations with Ammel, stating it began around Memorial Day 2024.