Ex-Senator Sinema's Ex-Lover Asks Her to Post Bail Amid Threat Charges

Matthew Ammel, the ex-lover and former bodyguard of ex-Senator Kyrsten Sinema, has requested that Sinema post his bail while he remains in jail on charges including threats against the former lawmaker. A court filing by Sinema's lawyer stated that a bail bondsman contacted the former senator to ask that she post Ammel's bond, which was set at $25,000.

Sinema's lawyer, Colleen Clase, urged a judge to deny Ammel bond or significantly increase it, citing the "nature and seriousness of the threats" and his criminal history. "This is a form of indirect contact, constitutes witness harassment and intimidation, and causes substantial concern given the recent history of threats made against her life," Clase wrote in the filing.

Ammel, 39, was arrested on September 29 in Phoenix. Police stated he violated conditions of his previous release by asking a mutual acquaintance to contact Sinema on his behalf. Sinema had reported this earlier contact to the police on September 22, but prosecutors noted she has declined to assist in the case. A sheriff's lieutenant in North Carolina had previously warned detectives that Ammel was attempting to acquire a gun and tactical equipment.

Prosecutors allege Ammel "contacted military friends to build him a rifle, purchased tactical gear, and discussed funeral arrangements," and also threatened to kill a judge and law enforcement officers. The state fears Ammel "will escalate his retaliation if released," according to a court filing by Maricopa County Deputy Attorney Bryn Barasha.

Authorities apprehended Ammel after his GPS tracker indicated he was at a gun shop in north Phoenix, where he had left a hunting knife for engraving. His release conditions had prohibited him from possessing the knife, which Ammel claimed was a gift for his nephew. A judge initially set his bond at $25,000, but prosecutors later requested it be raised to $100,000 cash-only due to the threats made against Sinema. Ammel refused to attend his arraignment on October 1, leading the judge to order him to be brought to a rescheduled hearing on October 15 by any means necessary.

The charges stem from a September 24 indictment for felony criminal damage. This followed an alleged rampage at Sinema's home on August 30, where court records indicate he damaged or destroyed approximately $200,000 worth of property. Ammel told The Arizona Republic that he was "pissed at the system" and took his anger out on Sinema's art.

Sinema, who served one term in the Senate from 2019 to 2025, has since joined the law firm Hogan Lovells. Ammel began working as her security detail in 2022 after meeting her through Tulsi Gabbard, and the two began an affair in 2024. Ammel described accompanying Sinema to various events, including those related to AI defense company Palantir and a British American Tobacco board dinner. He also referred to a trip to Washington D.C. for an event hosted by Palantir CEO Alex Karp as a "genocide celebration" of the Gaza war.

Ammel's ex-wife, Heather, is suing Sinema in North Carolina, alleging interference in their marriage. Sinema has acknowledged the affair. Ammel, however, disputed claims that Sinema took advantage of him, stating, "Kyrsten didn't take advantage of me. She was nice to me."

Ammel also faces accusations from 2025 of strangling healthcare workers while committed in North Carolina. His trial for the felony criminal damage charge is scheduled for February 11, 2027. Ammel told the Republic, "I had a dumb job, but I'm not dumb. Or crazy, I'm just sick of the system. I want to see my kids and my dog Scout and go back in the Army."