Viral Video Shows Convicted Former Ohio Lawyer Trying To Shoot Ex-Wife in Restaurant

A viral video showing convicted former Ohio lawyer Matthew Exton attempting to shoot his ex-wife inside a crowded restaurant has amassed more than seven million views on X (formerly Twitter), prompting widespread reactions to the dramatic confrontation.

The footage shows Exton approaching his ex-wife's table with a handgun and attempting to fire, but the weapon did not discharge. A waiter and two other men then rushed to intervene as screaming erupted at Sabira restaurant in Toledo on 11 April 2025.

Viral Footage Shows Restaurant Attack Attempt

The viral footage shows Exton arriving at the restaurant and moving towards his ex-wife, Kayda Valone, who was with a group of people. He was carrying a handgun, and when he pointed the weapon at Valone and attempted to fire, it failed to discharge because the safety was still engaged.

The waiter immediately intervened, tackling Exton before he could make another attempt. Two other men also helped restrain him as screaming could be heard during the chaotic confrontation.

Exton, 43, was convicted by a Lucas County jury of attempted murder, two counts of felonious assault and multiple firearm specifications. He was acquitted of a third felonious assault charge and faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced on 21 September.

X Users React as 7 Million Watch Ex-Lawyer's Restaurant Shooting Attempt

The video prompted strong reactions on social media, with many users focusing on the fact that the loaded gun failed to fire and that restaurant workers and patrons intervened. One user said Exton was 'lucky' the gun did not fire, while another questioned the role of firearm safeties after seeing the footage.

A third praised the waiter and patrons who rushed Exton, describing the intervention as an act of courage that prevented him from getting another chance to fire. One commenter also described Exton's actions as an example of someone risking his life over a relationship dispute.

The reactions varied sharply, but the central concern was the same: Exton had a loaded handgun inside a crowded restaurant and was stopped before he could make another attempt to fire.

How a Drink Order Preceded the Restaurant Attack Attempt

Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates said Exton had been drinking at a neighbouring bar when he spotted his ex-wife and her family at Sabira. He initially entered the restaurant, ordered a drink to be delivered to their table and spat towards the group before leaving, according to Bates.

Exton later returned carrying a handgun and headed directly towards Valone's table. Prosecutors said he attempted to shoot her, but the gun did not fire because its safety remained on.

The firearm was loaded with one round in the chamber and seven additional rounds in the magazine, according to prosecutors.

Exton later testified that he did not intend to pull the trigger and claimed he was trying to pressure his ex-wife to move faster with the sale of their former home.

Bates described the incident as a deliberate attack rather than an attempt to resolve a dispute over property.

'Nothing in their training and soft openings at restaurants could have prepared the staff for what walked through that door,' Bates said.

'The defendant did not come with the intention of having a meal. He came with anger in him and with the intention to commit a public execution of his ex-wife at the restaurant that day.'

Exton's law licence was suspended by the Ohio Supreme Court in May 2025 following the incident. The court issued an immediate interim remedial suspension while the criminal case was pending.

He was also removed from the courtroom during closing arguments after repeatedly interrupting prosecutors and watched the verdict remotely from a holding area. A Lucas County jury convicted Exton following the restaurant confrontation, while finding him not guilty of one remaining felonious assault charge.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on 21 September and could receive up to 25 years in prison.