Arizona: Police have arrested Jeffrey Michael Kelly, 60, in connection with a series of shootings that targeted a Democratic National Committee (DNC) office in Tempe.
Suspect Arrested for Targeting DNC Office
The shootings, which occurred over several weeks beginning in September, left the local community shaken, although no one was harmed. Kelly is also accused of hanging suspicious bags of white powder from political signs rigged with razor blades in the nearby village of Ahwatukee.
Tempe Police announced Kelly’s arrest on Tuesday after receiving a tip from a public witness. The suspect now faces several felony charges, including committing an act of terrorism, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and shooting at a non-residential structure. He is also charged with criminal damage, a misdemeanor.
Series of Shootings Raises Safety Concerns
The first shooting incident took place on September 16, 2024, when gunshots were fired through the front windows of the DNC office in Tempe. Initial reports indicated that the damage may have been caused by a BB gun or pellet gun. However, just a week later, on September 23, another shooting occurred at the same location, this time involving six live bullets. According to Tempe Police Chief Kenneth McCoy, both incidents happened during the night when the office was empty, raising concerns about the safety of staff and others in the vicinity.
Sergeant Ryan Cook, a public information officer for the Tempe Police Department, emphasized the gravity of the situation. “No one was inside the office during the overnight hours, but this raises concerns about the safety of those who work in that building, as well as those nearby,” Cook said in a statement following the second shooting. The third shooting occurred on October 6. Surveillance footage captured a silver Toyota SUV at the scene of both the second and third shootings, which helped police identify Kelly as the suspect.
History of Escalating Behavior
In addition to the recent shootings, authorities revealed that Kelly had a prior criminal history related to political vandalism. In 2022, he was arrested for stealing campaign signs while driving the same silver SUV linked to the current shootings.
During a court appearance on Wednesday, Deputy Maricopa County Attorney Neha Bhatia raised alarms over the suspect’s escalating violence, describing his actions as part of a “progression of violence.” Bhatia further stated that authorities believe Kelly was preparing to commit a mass casualty event.
When police searched Kelly’s home, they found an alarming cache of weapons. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) discovered over 120 firearms, including multiple machine guns, along with more than 250,000 rounds of ammunition. Other items found included silencers, scopes, and body armor. According to Bhatia, some of these firearms were consistent with those used in the DNC office shootings. A machine gun was also found in Kelly’s vehicle at the time of his arrest.
Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Kelly made his first court appearance on Wednesday, where a judge set his bail at $500,000. Should he post bail, Kelly will be subject to house arrest and electronic monitoring. Given the severity of the charges and the potential for further violence, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell expressed concern for public safety as the investigation continues.
The community remains on high alert as law enforcement officials work to gather more information about Kelly’s intentions and possible motives behind the attacks.
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