A former lawyer from Ohio, Matthew Exton, 43, was sentenced to up to 24½ years in prison for pointing a handgun at his ex-wife during an incident at a Toledo restaurant. Exton was found guilty of two counts of attempted murder and two counts of felonious assault in connection with the April 11, 2025, event. Prosecutors said that Exton approached his ex-wife and her mother at a table with a Colt Defender, a small handgun, and attempted to shoot them at close range. However, the gun did not fire because the safety was engaged. A waiter and others intervened, restraining Exton and preventing a potential tragedy. During his sentencing hearing in Lucas County Common Pleas Court, prosecutors emphasized that a mass casualty event was narrowly avoided. Prosecutor Mike Loisel stated that Exton showed no regard for others, focusing only on his own desires. He described Exton as highly unstable and argued that he needed to be incarcerated for a long time to protect the public. Loisel also noted that the court’s sentencing protected not only the victims but also the broader community. Exton, who divorced his wife in 2024, represented himself in court after dismissing his attorney. He claimed he did not intend to harm his ex-wife or her mother, despite surveillance footage showing him rushing toward them with the gun drawn. In court, Exton argued that his charges were politically motivated and that he had no harmful intent. He cited the phrase “guns don’t kill people, people kill people” and insisted he did not kill or harm anyone. Judge Gary Cook refuted Exton’s claims by playing footage of the incident. He highlighted a moment when Exton struggled to disengage the gun’s safety after it failed to fire, stating that this action confirmed Exton’s intent to use the weapon. Based on this and other evidence, the judge sentenced Exton to 20 years in prison, emphasizing the seriousness of his actions and the potential danger he posed to others.