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Grand Jury Charges Suspect in DNC Office Shooting Case in Tempe

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Grand jury indicts man accused of shooting at DNC office in Tempe

A man has been indicted on terrorism charges after allegedly targeting a local Democratic National Committee office and displaying menacing anti-Democratic signs. Jeffrey Michael Kelly, 60, faces multiple charges related to several incidents of political violence in Tempe, Arizona.

Authorities reported that Kelly is suspected of shooting at the DNC office on three occasions between mid-September and early October. He reportedly started with a CO2-powered gun before advancing to .22 caliber firearms, discharging over 20 rounds during these attacks, which caused significant damage to the building at night.

In a troubling revelation, prosecutors suggest that Kelly may have been plotting a “mass casualty” event. A search of his residence uncovered an arsenal that included 120 guns, 250,000 rounds of ammunition, body armor, and a grenade launcher.

Kelly’s actions drew attention when his vehicle was linked to the theft of Democratic yard signs in 2022. Surveillance footage helped police identify him as a suspect. Following the shootings, Kelly allegedly placed signs in Ahwatukee that contained razor blades and white powder, alongside messages reading, “Dems kill Jews” and “Never Harris,” a reference to Vice President Kamala Harris.

On Monday, a grand jury charged Kelly with terrorism, three counts of discharging a firearm at a structure, three counts of unlawful discharge of a firearm, and one count of criminal damage, all felonies. He is currently held on two $500,000 cash-only bonds.

While the indictment focuses on the DNC office shootings, additional charges may arise from the threatening signs and the substances attached to them. An attorney for Kelly argued that he is merely a “sportsman” with legally obtained firearms, characterizing the incident as a misunderstanding.

Evidence gathered suggests Kelly has a background in firearms and conspiracy theories, having shared numerous unfounded claims online. His social media activity includes posts promoting the “Stop The Steal” movement during the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.

The Department of Homeland Security has expressed concerns regarding potential violence tied to election denialism. Kelly is also reportedly under investigation for two separate federal cases, with police noting that he has resources that could enable further acts of terrorism. Investigation findings included documentation of Google searches for the DNC office’s address and spent ammunition matching that used in his attacks.

Kelly’s next court appearance is scheduled for this week, as authorities continue to assess the full scope of his activities and intentions.