Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s former bodyguard and romantic partner, Matthew Ammel, was arrested in Maricopa County in early September after allegedly breaking into her home and causing over $200,000 in damage to artwork and expensive alcohol. The incident took place on August 30 while Sinema was traveling out of state, according to court documents. Ammel, 39, reportedly contacted Sinema and demanded that she post a video on her X (formerly Twitter) account. He threatened to damage a painting every 10 minutes if she refused. Sinema told authorities she declined, prompting Ammel to remove about 22 paintings from her home and throw them into her swimming pool. One of the paintings was spray-painted with black lettering and placed near the front entrance. Sinema also reported finding broken glass from alcohol bottles scattered throughout her house and in the pool. Ammel was arrested on September 17 after being released from a mental health facility, though the reason for his admission and the date he entered the facility were unclear. He faces charges of aggravated criminal damage and has been released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court in early October, and it is not yet known if he has hired an attorney. This is not the first time Sinema and Ammel have been in the news. Earlier this month, a North Carolina judge ruled that Sinema could be sued under the state’s “alienation of affection” law, which allows spurned spouses to seek compensation from a third party they claim caused the breakup of their marriage. North Carolina is one of a few states that still enforce this law, which is separate from divorce proceedings. To succeed, the plaintiff must show that the accused took actions that a reasonable person would expect to lead to the end of the marriage. In 2025, a North Carolina influencer was ordered to pay $1.75 million for allegedly destroying her manager’s marriage. Sinema acknowledged the affair but argued she has no connection to North Carolina and cannot be sued there. However, U.S. District Judge David A. Bragdon rejected her argument, citing nine text messages she sent to Ammel while he was in the state. The judge ruled that the lawsuit can proceed. The lawsuit, filed by Ammel’s ex-wife, seeks financial damages from Sinema. According to the complaint, the couple had a “good and loving marriage” with “genuine love and affection” before Sinema allegedly pursued Ammel despite knowing he was married. Ammel joined Sinema’s security team after retiring from the Army in 2022 and accompanied her on domestic and international travel for several years. He later held a position as a national security fellow in her Senate office while continuing to serve as her bodyguard. The case highlights the intersection of personal relationships, legal accountability, and the unique legal landscape in states like North Carolina, where such suits are still permissible.