<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Matthew Ammel, the former bodyguard and partner of former Democratic Senator Kyrsten Sinema, was arrested again this week for violating the terms of his pretrial release after law enforcement officials located him at a gun shop in Phoenix, Arizona.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Officials report that Ammel, 39, was allegedly attempting to acquire a firearm, brandished a large knife in the gun shop, and made threats against Sinema, stating he would "take her down." He was arrested on Wednesday in a Cheesecake Factory parking lot.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This arrest follows Ammel's initial arrest about one month prior, during which he was accused of causing significant damage to Sinema's home in Arizona after breaking in. Officials indicated that Ammel threw numerous paintings from her home into her swimming pool and smashed multiple alcohol bottles and a mirror, scattering glass throughout the property.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ammel was first arrested on September 17, after being discharged from a mental health facility. He was subsequently booked at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and charged with felony criminal damage and domestic violence. According to the Arizona Republic, he was released on an ankle monitor with the stipulation that he would maintain distance from Sinema.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">During his second arrest on September 30, Ammel was charged with violating the terms of his release and was assigned a $25,000 bond. Prosecutors are requesting that the court increase his bond to $100,000, as reported by the outlet.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sinema and Ammel began their relationship in May 2024, while Sinema was serving in the Senate and Ammel was married. Ammel and his wife separated in the fall of 2024.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Sinema acknowledged the affair when she sought to dismiss an "alienation of affection" lawsuit filed by Ammel’s ex-wife in North Carolina. A judge in that state recently ruled that Ammel’s ex-wife could pursue legal action against Sinema due to the extramarital relationship.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Ammel also allegedly threatened a North Carolina judge prior to his September 30 arrest, according to the Arizona Republic.</p>