A man has been apprehended in connection with three different shootings at a Democratic National Committee headquarters in Arizona, according to the Tempe Police Department.
Jeffrey Michael Kelly, 60, is facing many accusations, including unlawful discharge, firing at a non-residential structure, terrorism, and criminal damage. Kelly has also been suspected of “hanging suspicious bags of white powder from several political signs lined with razor blades” in Ahwatukee, according to authorities. Tempe Police Chief Kenneth McCoy said additional charges could be made concerning the white powder incident.
At a court hearing Wednesday, Maricopa County prosecutor Neha Bhatia said more than 120 weapons and 250,000 rounds of ammunition were discovered during a search of Kelly’s residence, according to The Associated Press. The massive amount of armament has led law enforcement officers to assume that “this person was preparing to commit an act of mass casualty,” Bhatia explained.
Between September and early October, Kelly allegedly fired three bullets at the campaign office shared by Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign and the Democratic Party. None of the three shootings, which occurred between midnight and 1 a.m., wounded anyone, according to authorities. According to McCoy, the first incident occurred on September 16 when over ten bullets were fired from an apparent BB gun toward the front of the building.
A week later, on September 23, “the situation escalated to the use of real bullets,” McCoy stated at a press briefing on Wednesday. Following the tip, investigators conducted surveillance on Kelly. According to McCoy, authorities discovered the suspect displaying anti-Democratic placards in Ahwatukee late Monday night and early Tuesday morning. He explained that Baggies labeled “biohazard” and containing a white powdered material were tied to the signs.
According to Tempe officials, Kelly was detained on Tuesday, and his bond was set at $500,000 cash at his initial court appearance on Wednesday. According to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, if he is released on bond, he will have to wear electronic monitoring. It is unclear whether Kelly has an attorney at this time. McCoy described the arrest as “significant” and denounced any political threats or intimidation during the election.
“Let us be clear: Justice does not have a political party,” he stated. “The Tempe Police Department will adhere to the law and protect everyone, regardless of political affiliation.” Mitchell cautioned that anyone who tries to meddle with the election process will “face serious legal consequences.” “Threats, intimidation, or violence against political officials — regardless of party affiliation — are completely unacceptable,” she stated during the news briefing. “We are going to vigorously pursue prosecution to protect our democracy and our democratic process,” according to her.
