Kyrsten Sinema’s Former Bodyguard Arrested After Alleged Break-In

A bizarre dispute involving former Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema and a man who once served as both her bodyguard and romantic partner has resulted in criminal charges, according to NBC.

Matthew Ammel, 39, was arrested in Arizona this month after allegedly entering Sinema’s home while she was traveling and causing an estimated $200,000 in damage.

Authorities say the Aug. 30 incident began with Ammel pressuring Sinema to upload a video to X. He allegedly warned that unless she posted it, he would begin destroying her artwork at 10-minute intervals.

When Sinema refused, Ammel allegedly went through the house removing roughly 22 paintings and tossing them into the swimming pool. Investigators say another painting was defaced with spray paint and placed near the home’s entrance. Expensive bottles of alcohol were also allegedly smashed, leaving broken glass around the property and in the pool.

NBC writes that police arrested Ammel on Sept. 17 after he left a mental health facility. He has since been charged with aggravated criminal damage and released pending an October court date.

The episode adds another chapter to an already complicated story involving Ammel and Sinema.

Ammel, a retired Army veteran, began working on Sinema’s security detail in 2022 and accompanied the senator on trips in the U.S. and abroad. He later received a national security fellowship in her Senate office while remaining involved with her security.

The two also had a romantic relationship while Ammel was married, something Sinema has acknowledged.

That relationship is now at the center of a separate lawsuit brought by Ammel’s former wife in North Carolina. The state is among the few that still recognizes “alienation of affection” claims, allowing someone to pursue damages against a third party accused of interfering with a marriage.

Sinema sought to have the case thrown out on jurisdictional grounds, arguing that her connections to North Carolina were insufficient. A federal judge disagreed, pointing in part to messages she sent Ammel while he was in the state and allowing the case to proceed.

Ammel’s ex-wife claims their marriage had been loving and stable before Sinema became involved with him and is seeking monetary damages from the former senator.