Sinema's ex-bodyguard Matthew Ammel arrested again over alleged threats, release violation

RightMatthew Ammel, 39, the former bodyguard and ex-partner of former Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, was arrested again in a Cheesecake Factory parking lot in Phoenix, Arizona, for allegedly violating the terms of his pretrial release. 1 2 RightOfficials allege he tried to obtain a gun, held a large knife in a gun shop, and threatened to "take down" Sinema; the New York Post, citing court documents seen by KPHO, adds that he allegedly threatened to kill a North Carolina judge. 2 1 RightThe New York Post, citing the Arizona Republic, says he was caught after dropping off a "large, military style" knife to be engraved as a gift for his nephew's Marine Corps boot camp graduation. 1

RightThe outlets differ on the day of the arrest: the Post says Tuesday, while the Washington Examiner says Wednesday and later gives the date as Sept. 30. 1 2 RightBond was set at $25,000, but Maricopa County prosecutors want it raised to $100,000 cash-only; a filing signed by Deputy Attorney Bryn Barasha said the state "fears [Ammel] will escalate his retaliation if released". 1 2 RightProsecutors also claimed he contacted military friends to build him a rifle, bought tactical gear and discussed funeral arrangements, without giving further context. 1

RightThe earlier arrest came on Sept. 17 over damage to Sinema's Cave Creek home, alleged to have occurred on Aug. 30; he was charged with felony criminal damage, and the Examiner adds domestic violence, and was released on an ankle monitor with an order to stay away from Sinema. 1 2 RightThe Post reports he allegedly breached the no-contact order two days later by trying to get a friend to contact Sinema; Sinema, 50, reported it to police on Sept. 22 but declined to help prosecutors, according to Maricopa County attorneys. 1 RightAuthorities allege he threw 22 paintings into her pool (about $123,000 of damage) and broke alcohol bottles and a mirror; the Examiner says he was released from a mental health hospital before the Sept. 17 arrest. 1 2

RightAmmel told the Arizona Republic he was angry at "the system" and "took it out on her art"; he said it followed Sinema's refusal to post a video of soldiers in Iraq and to press the Pentagon about his unit's Presidential Unit Citation, and he said he has brain injuries. 1 RightHis arraignment, which he refused to attend on Thursday, has been moved to Oct. 15, the Post reports. 1 RightThe relationship became public after Ammel's ex-wife, Heather Ammel, sued Sinema in North Carolina over the affair; Sinema admitted the affair when seeking dismissal, and a judge recently ruled the suit can proceed. The outlets give the affair's start as around Memorial Day or May 2024. 1 2