Former U.S. Senator, Kyrsten Sinema is currently under hot water after an alleged scandalous aspect of her life has come to light. In January 2026, a federal lawsuit was filed in North Carolina against her, alleging she had an affair with her former bodyguard, Matthew Ammel. The plaintiff was Matthew’s ex-wife, Heather Ammel, who filed the lawsuit seeking at least USD 75,000 in damages. Heather accused Krysten of being a homewrecker, and creating distance between the former couple, ultimately leading to their separation. Here’s everything we know about Matthew Ammel, his career and family.
Who Is Matthew Ammel?
Matthew Ammel is a U.S. Army veteran and a former member of the security detail for former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema. After retiring from the U.S. Army in 2022, Matthew was hired to join Sinema’s security team. In June 2024, he was appointed as a Defence and National Security Fellow in Sinema’s Senate office while continuing to serve as her bodyguard. He is a veteran who served deployments in Afghanistan and the Middle East. According to legal filings, he has struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, and substance abuse related to his service.