A Man's Threats Against VP Vance Take a Backseat to His Medical Condition.
A 33-year-old man from Toledo, Ohio, has been charged with threatening Vice President JD Vance while he was visiting his home state last month. Shannon Mathre allegedly made the threat using an M14 automatic gun, saying "I am going to find out where he (the vice president) is going to be and use my M14 automatic gun and kill him." However, Mathre's lawyer claims that due to his poor health, it's highly unlikely he could have carried out the threat.
Mathre's lawyers also argue that the medical details of their client would be obvious to anyone in the courtroom. His lawyer stated, "Anyone that spends any time in a room with Mr. Mathre or has any knowledge of his condition -- physical condition, mental condition -- can see that itβs a farce." However, prosecutors say they are taking the threat very seriously.
In addition to the threat charge, Mathre was also charged with possessing digital files depicting child sexual abuse, which carries a 20-year prison sentence. The Justice Department and Secret Service conducted an investigation that went beyond the online threat, examining Mathre's actions and behavior. His phone was seized as part of the investigation.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, "Our attorneys are vigorously prosecuting this disgusting threat against Vice President Vance." The case is being taken seriously by law enforcement officials, who emphasize the importance of zero tolerance for political violence.
Mathre will appear in court again on Wednesday to determine whether he should remain in custody as the case moves forward.
A 33-year-old man from Toledo, Ohio, has been charged with threatening Vice President JD Vance while he was visiting his home state last month. Shannon Mathre allegedly made the threat using an M14 automatic gun, saying "I am going to find out where he (the vice president) is going to be and use my M14 automatic gun and kill him." However, Mathre's lawyer claims that due to his poor health, it's highly unlikely he could have carried out the threat.
Mathre's lawyers also argue that the medical details of their client would be obvious to anyone in the courtroom. His lawyer stated, "Anyone that spends any time in a room with Mr. Mathre or has any knowledge of his condition -- physical condition, mental condition -- can see that itβs a farce." However, prosecutors say they are taking the threat very seriously.
In addition to the threat charge, Mathre was also charged with possessing digital files depicting child sexual abuse, which carries a 20-year prison sentence. The Justice Department and Secret Service conducted an investigation that went beyond the online threat, examining Mathre's actions and behavior. His phone was seized as part of the investigation.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, "Our attorneys are vigorously prosecuting this disgusting threat against Vice President Vance." The case is being taken seriously by law enforcement officials, who emphasize the importance of zero tolerance for political violence.
Mathre will appear in court again on Wednesday to determine whether he should remain in custody as the case moves forward.