Kyrsten Sinema's Ex-Bodyguard Allegedly Damaged Her Property Over Ultimatum

<p>Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema's ex-bodyguard and ex-boyfriend, Matthew Ammel, allegedly damaged her home after demanding that she post a video on X. He threatened to damage a painting every 10 minutes until she complied.</p><p>Ammel reportedly threw approximately 22 paintings into her swimming pool after she refused, according to court documents cited by Fox 10 Phoenix. The contents of the video he wanted her to post have not been publicly disclosed.</p><p>Ammel was arrested last week on a charge of aggravated criminal damage following his release from a mental health facility. The alleged destruction occurred on August 30, while Sinema was away from her home in Cave Creek, Arizona.</p><p>Sinema informed authorities that Ammel also smashed liquor bottles, scattering broken glass throughout the house and pool. Damage is estimated to exceed $200,000. This criminal case coincides with a lawsuit from Ammel's ex-wife and scrutiny from a campaign finance watchdog.</p><p>Sinema has confirmed a romantic relationship with Ammel, which she states began in 2024. His ex-wife, Heather Ammel, claims they had a good marriage before Sinema's involvement and has sued Sinema for alienation of affection. North Carolina allows a spouse to sue a third party for disrupting a marriage.</p><p>Sinema sought to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that her relationship with Ammel occurred outside North Carolina. However, a federal judge rejected her jurisdictional argument earlier this month, allowing the case to proceed.</p><p>The lawsuit also alleges that Sinema invited Ammel to a Taylor Swift concert, bought him gifts, and paid for psychedelic treatment. Payments to Ammel became an issue after she left the Senate.</p><p>The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), a Washington watchdog group, filed a formal complaint in March questioning nearly $2 million in campaign spending after Sinema left office. The complaint raised concerns about staff payments to Ammel and alleged that Sinema spent about $9,000 at resorts in various locations.</p><p>When Sinema left office on January 3, 2025, her campaign account held $4.2 million. By the time her campaign committee filed its termination report, the account had no remaining funds.</p><p>Questions regarding her spending predated her Senate exit. Sinema campaigned on her humble upbringing, often recounting her past living conditions.</p><p>Between 2021 and 2023, her campaign spent nearly $10,000 at high-end restaurants and almost $20,000 on wine-related expenses. The campaign also paid a luxury New York City car service over $4,000 for a single day.</p><p>Her political career was marked by a departure from the image she cultivated as a candidate. Elected as a Democrat, Sinema was the first openly bisexual person elected to the U.S. Senate. However, she clashed with fellow Democrats over her opposition to a federal minimum wage increase and her support for tax breaks benefiting the private equity industry.</p><p>In 2022, she left the Democratic Party, changing her registration to independent, stating that neither major party reflected her values. One Democratic colleague later referred to her as “the biggest egomaniac in the Senate.”</p>