Sinema’s ex-lover had 'large' knife, threatened to 'take her down' before arrest at Cheesecake Factory: police, tell me about this news

This news story centers on the re-arrest of Matthew Ammel, a retired Army veteran who previously worked as former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s bodyguard and had a romantic relationship with her.

The Background

Ammel was initially arrested in September 2026 and faced a felony charge of aggravated criminal damage after allegedly breaking into Sinema’s home in Cave Creek, Arizona. Court records indicated he caused more than $200,000 in damage by destroying artwork, spray-painting, and breaking bottles into her pool while demanding she post a video on social media. After leaving a mental health facility following that incident, he was arrested and initially released on his own recognizance.

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The Knife Incident & Re-Arrest

Just days after his release, police were called regarding alarming behavior that led to him being taken back into custody:

• Threats and Weapon: According to police reports, Ammel entered a Phoenix gun shop carrying a large, military- or hunting-style knife. Witnesses and store employees reported that he made direct, explicit threats targeting Sinema, stating that he was going to “take her down.”

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• Apprehension: Following reports of the disturbance and threats, law enforcement tracked and located him nearby (outside/near a local shopping complex containing businesses including a Cheesecake Factory), where he was taken into custody without further physical violence.

• Legal Fallout: Given the direct threats of violence, possession of a dangerous weapon, and the violation of release conditions stemming from his initial home-vandalism charge, Ammel was booked back into jail on additional charges, including stalking, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, and making threats.