BREAKING | Toledo Man Arrested for Death Threats Against VP J.D. Vance and Possession of CSAM
Toledo man Shannon Mathre arrested for allegedly threatening to assassinate VP J.D. Vance with an M14. Federal agents also uncovered CSAM during the investigation.
Shannon Mathre of Toledo is accused of threatening the life of Vice President J.D. Vance in violation of Title 18 U.S. Code Section 871(a). In the indictment, he allegedly stated, “I am going to find out where he (Vance) is going to be and use my M14 automatic gun and kill him”. The Secret Service apprehended Mathre on February 6th, 2026.
On a previous Facebook post dated March 15th 2025, Mathre states:
Further, the grand jury charges Mathre from December 31st to January 21st, 2026. Mathre engaged in the receipt and distribution of images that visually depict minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, in violation of Title 18 U.S. Code Section 2252(a)(2). Agents were investigating Mathre for the threats made against Vice President J.D. Vance, and discovered multiple digital files of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in Mathre’s possession.
“Our attorneys are vigorously prosecuting this disgusting threat against Vice President Vance,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “You can hide behind a screen, but you cannot hide from this Department of Justice.”
Mathre appeared before a U.S Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Ohio on February 6th while waiting for his February 11th detention hearing.
If found guilty, Mathre faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum statutory fine of $250,000 for threatening J.D. Vance’s life. If found guilty of CSAM possession, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a statutory fine of up to $250,000.
Shannon has a long history of public posts on Facebook about local groups he has tried to join but was restricted from. On one post dated January 26th, 2025 Mathre states;
“My gratitude for the Toledo Police Department is very strong today. After someone called the cops on me they came over and spoke with me and after giving them an explanation of the issues decided that my actions are as I stated legal and justified and in accordance with the states provisions and requirements for self defense laws. They are in fact now turning their focus on those in a group who made comments about deliberately targeting cyclists. The Lord is good. My actions and my planned policy has in fact been better to be in accordance with the requirements of the laws of the State of Ohio and as it’s only a self defense measure it’s fully protected as long as such policies and actions are taken as described in my statement. Guys you really don’t realize that I am autistic but I’m also very smart in many different areas including the laws. I advise you all to tread carefully as threats against me only further the rights I’m given to defend myself and my property and loved ones. Btw they were very impressed by the bike. VERY impressed.”
On September 05th 2024, the State of Ohio Department of Taxation previously filed court records against Mathre for an unsettled lien of $388.80 for an undisclosed purpose.
In further searches, Mathre has made a GoFundMe to raise funds to seek damages from a local mental health group.
On Facebook post Mathre has designated a spouse, but no records could be found for a filed marriage certificate.
Contact was attempted with Mathre’s close family unsuccessfully for a statement.