A DNC office in Tempe, Arizona, was not without unexpected events. A retired aerospace engineer faces terrorism charges after allegedly shooting at a Democratic National Committee office. More than 20 shots were fired or directed at the building. This happened between mid September and mid October. Jeffrey Michael Kelly is being held in a cash-only bond.
Retired Engineer Charged With Terrorism
In a shocking development, Jeffrey Michael Kelly, a 60-year-old retired aerospace engineer, has been arrested and charged with terrorism in connection with a series of shootings at a Democratic National Committee (DNC) office in Tempe, Arizona. The incidents occurred between September 16 and October 6, and over 20 shots were fired at the building, causing significant damage to the windows, front door, and walls.
According to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, Kelly began with a carbon dioxide-powered gun before progressing to firearms in later incidents. The DNC office, one of 18 field offices in Arizona assisting Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, was forced to close following the third shooting. Fortunately, no injuries were reported because the attacks occurred just after midnight, when the building was empty.
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The man who Tempe Police arrested for shooting at the DNC Office in Tempe and for placing anti-Democrat signs with white powder was found to have 120 guns (some loaded), 250,000 rounds of ammo, body armor and a grenade launcher at his house. Story later today. pic.twitter.com/EIZhsS3xSw
— Jerod MacDonald-Evoy (@JerodMacEvoy) October 23, 2024
Multiple Charges and Significant Weapons Cache
Kelly is now facing a number of charges, including terrorism, discharging a firearm at a structure, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and criminal damage. He is currently subject to two $500,000 cash-only bonds. The severity of the charges reflects the danger that the alleged actions may pose.
“A man arrested in connection with three shootings at a Democratic National Committee (DNC) office in Tempe, Arizona, has been indicted on terrorism charges, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced in an Oct. 30 statement.
The investigation took a worrying turn when authorities raided Kelly’s home. They found a large cache of weapons, including over 200 guns and more than 250,000 rounds of ammunition. This substantial arsenal has alarmed law enforcement officials, with Maricopa County prosecutor Neha Bhatia claiming Kelly “was preparing to commit an act of mass casualties.”
Police in Tempe, Arizona, have arrested Jeffrey Michael Kelly, a 60 year-old man, who’s accused of shooting at a DNC office over the last two months and hanging suspicious bags of white powder from political signs.
Kelly was charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, shooting… pic.twitter.com/FjEdRjh7l8
— Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) October 23, 2024
Defense and Ongoing Investigation
Despite the gravity of the charges and the weapons discovered, Kelly’s attorney has taken a different approach. The defense claims Kelly is a retired aerospace engineer with no criminal history. They claim that the firearms discovered were intended for legal sporting activities, which contradicts the prosecution’s interpretation of the evidence.
Tempe Police Chief Kenneth McCoy stated that Kelly had been seen posting anti-Democratic signs in the area prior to the shootings. However, authorities have yet to reveal a specific motive for the attacks.
The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement attempting to piece together the events that led up to the shootings and determine Kelly’s intentions.
As the case progresses, it serves as a stark reminder of how political tensions can escalate into dangerous situations. The incident has sparked debate about security measures at political offices, as well as the importance of staying vigilant in identifying and preventing potential public safety threats.
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