A retired aerospace engineer faces terrorism charges for allegedly shooting at a Democratic National Committee office in Tempe, Arizona, multiple times over a three-week period.
At a Glance
- Jeffrey Michael Kelly, 60, charged with terrorism for shooting at DNC office in Tempe, Arizona
- Over 120 guns and 250,000 rounds of ammunition found in Kelly’s home
- Kelly faces three felony counts of acts of terrorism and other related charges
- No injuries reported, but significant damage to the office building
Retired Engineer Arrested for DNC Office Shootings
Jeffrey Michael Kelly, a 60-year-old retired aerospace engineer, has been arrested and charged with terrorism following a series of shootings at a Democratic National Committee (DNC) office in Tempe, Arizona. The incidents, which occurred between September 16 and October 6, involved more than 20 shots fired at the building, causing damage to windows, front doors, and walls.
Authorities discovered an alarming cache of weapons at Kelly’s residence, including over 120 guns and a staggering 250,000 rounds of ammunition. Additional items found were scopes, body armor, silencers, and a machine gun in Kelly’s vehicle. This extensive arsenal raised serious concerns among law enforcement officials.
Escalating Incidents and Arrest
According to investigators, Kelly initially used a carbon dioxide-powered gun in the attacks before escalating to firearms. Surveillance footage played a crucial role in identifying Kelly and led to his arrest on October 22. The suspect is also accused of hanging political signs with razor blades and leaving bags labeled “biohazard” near the DNC office, which were later found to contain baking powder.
Kelly now faces three felony counts of acts of terrorism, along with other charges related to the shootings. Prosecutors argue that he poses a significant threat to the community, while his defense team maintains that he is simply a retired engineer and sportsman with no prior criminal record.
Political Motivations and Concerns
Investigations into Kelly’s background revealed troubling details. His social media accounts contained anti-Democrat posts, and he had made donations to Trump-supporting organizations. Google searches linked to Kelly included queries about the Democratic office address and firearm-related topics.
“I want to be very clear as the Maricopa County Attorney: threats, intimidation or violence toward political officials, no matter what party they are a part of, is completely unacceptable.” – Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell
The incident has raised concerns about political violence in Arizona, a battleground state where tensions often run high during election seasons. It was noted that Kelly had been previously accused of stealing campaign signs in 2022 but was not charged, which some speculate may have emboldened him to escalate his actions.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
Kelly is currently being held on a $500,000 cash bond, with his next court appearance scheduled for October 29. The judge overseeing the case, William Cathon, expressed skepticism about the defense’s characterization of Kelly as a sportsman, questioning the need for items like grenade launchers.
The DNC office targeted in the attacks has since been shut down. Fortunately, no one was inside during any of the shooting incidents. Local officials and community leaders have strongly condemned the attacks, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a safe political environment for all parties and ideologies.
Sources:
Suspect in Arizona Democrat Office Shootings Had Over 120 Guns: Officials
DNC office shooting suspect had more than 120 guns in his Arizona home, officials find
Suspect in Arizona Democrat Office Shootings Had Over 120 Guns: Officials
