Suspect arrested for Tempe DNC office shootings, powdered political signs

PHOENIX — A suspect was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the multiple shootings at the Democratic National Committee office in Tempe, according to authorities.

Jeffrey Michael Kelly, 60, was arrested thanks to a tip that the suspect stole Democratic signs in 2022 in the same silver SUV that was wanted in the string of shootings, according to the Tempe Police Department.

Kelly faces three counts of a terrorism act, three counts of criminal damage, two counts of shooting as a nonresidential structure and two counts of unlawful discharge.

Kelly has already had his initial court appearance and is being held on a $500,000 bond.

Kelly also likely faces charges for hanging suspicious bags of white powder from several political signs lined with razor blades in Ahwatukee, according to Tempe police.

When did the DNC shootings take place?

Kelly is accused of committing three shootings over the past several weeks.

Gunfire damage was first discovered at a Democratic campaign office in Tempe on Sept. 16, shortly after midnight. Authorities found the front windows shot at by a BB or pellet gun.

A week later, workers arriving to the office found more gunshot damage in the front window.

After the second attack, Sgt. Ryan Cook with Tempe Police said the situation was dangerous despite the lack of human injuries.

“No one was inside the office during the overnight hours, but this raises concerns about the safety of those who work in that building, as well as those nearby,” Cook said in a news release the day after the second shooting.

The last shooting happened earlier this month. There was a total of three separate shooting incidents, and no one was in the office during any of the shootings.

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