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Kyrsten Sinema’s former bodyguard and ex charged after rampage through her home
NBC News • • nation
Key Points:
- Matthew Ammel, former bodyguard and romantic partner of ex-Senator Kyrsten Sinema, was arrested for breaking into Sinema's home on August 30, causing approximately $200,000 in damage to artwork and expensive alcohol while she was out of town.
- Ammel allegedly demanded Sinema post a video on her X account, threatening to damage a painting every 10 minutes if she refused; after her refusal, he destroyed about 22 paintings and vandalized the property.
- Ammel was charged with aggravated criminal damage and released on his own recognizance, with a court appearance scheduled for early October; he was arrested after being released from a mental health facility.
- Separately, Sinema faces a lawsuit under North Carolina’s “alienation of affection” law filed by Ammel’s ex-wife, claiming Sinema’s affair with Ammel led to the breakdown of their marriage; a judge allowed the suit to proceed despite Sinema’s argument that she has no connection to North Carolina.
- Ammel joined Sinema’s security team after retiring from the Army in 2022, serving as her bodyguard and later as a national security fellow in her Senate office while continuing security duties.
