(TEMPE, Ariz.) — A suspect has been arrested in connection to three separate shooting attacks on a Democratic National Committee office in Arizona, according to the Tempe Police Department.
Jeffrey Michael Kelly, 60, faces multiple charges that include unlawful discharge, shooting at a non-residential structure, terrorism and criminal damage.
Kelly is also accused of “hanging suspicious bags of white powder from several political signs lined with razor blades” in Ahwatukee, police said.
More charges could be filed in connection with the white powder incident, according to Tempe Police Chief Kenneth McCoy.
At a court hearing Wednesday, Maricopa County prosecutor Neha Bhatia said more than 120 guns and 250,000 rounds of ammunition were found in a search of Kelly’s home, according to The Associated Press.
The large amount of weaponry has led law enforcement officials to believe “this person was preparing to commit an act of mass casualty,” Bhatia said.
On three separate occasions between September and early October, Kelly allegedly fired gunshots at the campaign office, which is shared by Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign and the Democratic Party.
No one was injured in any of the three shootings, all of which police said occurred between midnight and 1 a.m.
In the first incident, on Sept. 16, over 10 shots were fired from an apparent BB gun to the front of the building, McCoy said.
A week later, on Sept. 23, “the situation escalated to the use of real bullets,” McCoy said during a press briefing on Wednesday. Approximately six shots were fired, damaging the office’s front widows and signage, he said.
A silver Toyota Highlander was captured on video leaving the parking lot following the shooting, McCoy said.
The third incident occurred on Oct. 6, with three bullets fired at the front of the building, McCoy said. The same silver SUV was seen on video in the parking lot, he said.
After the third shooting, police released a photo of a silver Toyota Highlander believed to belong to the suspect and announced a reward of up to $1,000 “for any information that leads to the arrest or indictment of the suspect(s) involved in this crime.”
Following the release of the photo, a witness came forward with “critical” information that helped lead investigators to the suspect, McCoy said.
In 2022, Kelly was suspected of stealing Democratic campaign signs in Ahwatukee in the same silver SUV, the chief said.
“I don’t believe charges were filed against him at that time, but thankfully the citizens who remembered that incident saw our call for assistance and reached out to us,” he said.
Investigators began surveilling Kelly following that tip. The suspect was subsequently observed by investigators posting anti-Democratic signs in Ahwatukee late Monday into Tuesday morning, McCoy said. Baggies labeled “biohazard” and containing a white powdery substance were attached to the signs, he said.
Kelly was arrested on Tuesday and his bond was set at $500,000 cash during his initial court appearance on Wednesday, Tempe officials said. He will be required to wear electronic monitoring if he makes bond, according to Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell.
It is unclear if Kelly has an attorney at this time.
McCoy called the arrest “significant” and condemned any political threats or intimidation during the election.
“Let me be clear: Justice does not have a political party,” he said. “The Tempe Police Department will uphold the law and protect everyone, no matter their political affiliation.”
Mitchell warned that anyone who tries to interfere with the election process will “face serious legal consequences.”
“Threats, intimidation or violence toward political officials — no matter what party they are a part of — are completely unacceptable,” she said during the press briefing.
“We will aggressively pursue prosecution to protect our democracy and our democratic process,” she added.
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