NBC News, citing court records, reported that former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s onetime bodyguard, Matthew Ammel, allegedly demanded she post a video to her X account on Aug. 30 while she was away from her Arizona home. When Sinema refused, he allegedly took down about 22 paintings and threw them into a swimming pool, according to NBC’s account of the records.
What court records reportedly describe
“Ammel, 39, allegedly contacted Sinema and demanded that she post a video to her X account. He told her that if she declined to do so, he would damage a painting every 10 minutes,” NBC News reported, citing court documents. “Sinema told law enforcement officers that she refused, prompting Ammel to take down about 22 paintings and throw them into the swimming pool.”
Arrest and upcoming court date
Headline USA reported that Ammel was arrested last week after being released from a mental health facility, and that his initial court appearance is set for early October. Headline USA also reported claims that about $200,000 worth of artwork and alcohol were damaged. Daily Headlines has not independently reviewed the underlying records.
Separate lawsuit in North Carolina
According to Headline USA, Ammel’s ex-wife, Heather Ammel, is suing Sinema in North Carolina for “alienation of affection,” a state-law claim related to extramarital relationships. Headline USA reported that Sinema has acknowledged a romantic relationship with Matthew Ammel but argued the case should not proceed in North Carolina. The outlet reported that U.S. District Judge David A. Bragdon rejected that argument earlier this month, pointing to nine text messages Sinema sent while Ammel was in the state as a basis for jurisdiction, allowing the case to move forward. A pretrial conference is scheduled for Oct. 22, according to Headline USA.
