Former Senator Kyrsten Sinema ex bodyguard Matthew Ammel faces court over threats

Matthew Ammel, a former bodyguard and lover of former United States Senator Kyrsten Sinema, appeared in court for allegedly violating a no contact order, the New York Post reported on October 13, 2026. The appearance was also reported by azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic. [1][4]

According to the New York Post, prosecutors highlighted text messages allegedly sent by Matthew Ammel in which he vowed to punish Kyrsten Sinema and threatened to decapitate a judge. Citing 12News, the New York Post stated that the messages left Kyrsten Sinema reasonably and objectively afraid of suffering serious injury. 12News further reported that Kyrsten Sinema said she fears for her life if Matthew Ammel is released from jail. FOX 10 Phoenix reported that his bond was subsequently increased. [1][2][3]

Kyrsten Sinema is an American politician, lawyer, and former social worker who served as a United States senator from Arizona from 2019 to 2025. She served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2005 to 2011 and the state Senate from 2011 to 2012 before joining the United States Congress. Formerly a member of the Democratic Party, she became an independent politician in December 2022. [5][6]