Ex-Bodyguard Claims Mental Breakdown Led to Vandalism at Sen. Sinema's Home

Matthew Ammel, the former bodyguard and lover of ex-Senator Kyrsten Sinema, has claimed he was suffering from a mental breakdown due to stress when he allegedly broke into her Arizona home and destroyed approximately $200,000 worth of her art collection. Ammel stated that he was living with Sinema at the time of the incident.

Ammel's explanation comes after his arrest on Sept. 18 for the Aug. 30 rampage at Sinema's Cave Creek home. He admitted to damaging Sinema's property after she reportedly refused his demand to post videos of his military service on X, formerly Twitter. According to reports, Ammel threatened to damage her paintings every 10 minutes until she complied with his request.

Investigators reported that Ammel removed 22 paintings from the walls, throwing them into the backyard pool, and spray-painted an additional painting. The estimated value of the damaged paintings alone was over $123,000, with the total damage, including vandalism to the home and pool, exceeding $200,000.

Sinema, who was out of town at the time, reported the damage on Sept. 3. Ammel was taken into custody after Sinema provided text messages, video recordings, and surveillance footage showing him damaging the property. He was booked on suspicion of criminal damage and later released from custody with an electronic monitoring device. Ammel is due back in court next week.

Ammel, an Army veteran, joined Sinema's security detail in 2022 after retiring from the military. His ex-wife, Heather Ammel, has filed a civil lawsuit against Sinema in North Carolina under the state's "homewrecker" law, accusing the former senator of pursuing Ammel despite knowing he was married. Heather Ammel's complaint alleges that Sinema exchanged romantic messages with Ammel, purchased gifts, paid for trips and tickets, and suggested recreational drug use together.

Former Senator Sinema has not yet responded to requests for comment.