A retired aerospace engineer finds himself entangled in a serious legal battle after allegedly shooting at a DNC office, leading to terrorism charges.
At a Glance
- Jeffrey Michael Kelly, aged 60, allegedly involved in a series of shootings at a DNC office.
- Terrorism and multiple other charges filed; a large weapons cache found at his home.
- No injuries reported; substantial property damage incurred.
- Investigations ongoing to understand Kelly’s motives behind the shootings.
A String of Shootings in Tempe
On October 30, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the indictment of Jeffrey Michael Kelly on terrorism charges following three separate shootings at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) office in Tempe, Arizona. The incidents, occurring between September 16 and October 6, involved over 20 shots being fired, leaving extensive damage to the facility’s infrastructure.
Kelly initially used a carbon dioxide-powered gun before escalating to firearms. Despite the substantial property damage, no injuries were reported, as the incidents occurred shortly after midnight when the building was not occupied. The decision to close the DNC office after the third shooting followed the series of assaults.
Arrest and Charges
Surveillance videos capturing a specific vehicle proved instrumental in leading to Kelly’s arrest. The former aerospace engineer now faces multiple charges, including unlawful discharge of firearms and criminal damage. In addition to the terrorism charge, Kelly is being held on two $500,000 cash-only bonds for his alleged actions.
“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 said in an Oct. 30 statement.” – Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell
Investigations further revealed the presence of anti-Democrat signs in the vicinity prior to his arrest. Authorities uncovered more than 200 firearms and over 250,000 rounds of ammunition in Kelly’s home, suggesting preparation for a potential larger threat.
Defense and Ongoing Investigation
Kelly’s attorney contends that the firearms serve legal recreational purposes and emphasizes Kelly’s lack of a prior criminal history. With no established motive for the shootings yet, law enforcement concentrates on uncovering any underlying intentions behind Kelly’s charged actions.
The Tempe DNC office is among 18 field offices in Arizona supporting Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. As investigations progress, the broader motive behind Kelly’s actions remains a pivotal component yet to be fully illuminated, underlining the necessity for further inquiry.
Sources
1. Arizona Man Indicted on Terrorism Charges for DNC Office Shootings
2. Grand jury indicts Phoenix man accused of shooting at Democratic Party office
