Suspect in Tempe DNC shootings indicted for alleged terrorism, other charges
Oct 30, 2024, 11:21 AM | Updated: 11:22 am
(Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and AP Photos)
PHOENIX – The man accused of three Tempe Democratic National Committee office shootings has been indicted for alleged terrorism and other charges, authorities announced Wednesday.
A grand jury charged Jeffrey Michael Kelly, a 60-year-old resident of Phoenix’s Ahwatukee neighborhood, in an eight-count indictment on Monday.
In addition to one count of terrorism, he faces three counts each of discharging a firearm at a structure and unlawful discharge of a firearm plus one count of criminal damage.
Kelly allegedly shot at the DNC office at Southern Avenue and Priest Drive on three occasions between Sept. 16 and Oct. 6, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors say he used a CO2-powered pellet gun during the first incident and firearms the other times. He allegedly fired over 20 times, damaging windows, front doors and walls.
Nobody was in the building at the time of the shootings, according to the Tempe Police Department.
Tempe terrorism suspect connected to white powder in Ahwatukee
Kelly also is accused of attaching baggies containing a white powdery substance labeled “BIOHAZARD” to political signs in Ahwatukee last week.
A Silent Witness tip led to his arrest on Dec. 22.
During Kelly’s initial court appearance, a prosecutor said he had more than 120 guns and over 250,000 rounds of ammunition in his home. That led law enforcement to believe he may have been planning a mass casualty event.
Kelly is being held on two cash-only bonds of $500,000, prosecutors said. He could face more charges in connection with the Ahwatukee incident.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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