Kyrsten Sinema’s ex-bodyguard accused of causing $200K in damage at her Cave Creek home

Key Points:

• Matthew Ammel, former bodyguard and ex-boyfriend of former Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, was arrested on felony charges for allegedly breaking into her Cave Creek home and causing over $200,000 in property damage on August 30.
• Sinema reported that Ammel demanded she post a video on her X account, threatening to damage her paintings every 10 minutes if she did not comply; Ammel reportedly threw 22 paintings into her swimming pool and broke expensive alcohol bottles and a large mirror.
• Ammel was taken into custody on September 18 after a petition for involuntary psychiatric evaluation, and during his first court appearance, no bond was set; he is currently released with an electronic monitor and due back in court next week.
• Sinema has been increasing security at her home, including building a wall around the property, following previous threats and the recent incident involving Ammel, who reportedly used to live with her.
• The relationship between Sinema and Ammel has been subject to controversy, including a lawsuit filed by Ammel’s ex-wife alleging an affair, with a recent court ruling allowing the lawsuit to proceed under North Carolina’s “homewrecker” law despite Sinema’s argument against jurisdiction.