Man Accused of Shootings at DNC Office Reportedly Had Massive Arsenal

A Phoenix man arrested for shooting at a Democratic office was found to have an arsenal that could equip a small army, raising concerns about potential mass violence.

At a Glance

Jeffrey Michael Kelly, 60, was arrested for alleged incidents of political violence.
Kelly’s home reportedly contained over 120 guns, 250,000 rounds of ammunition, body armor, and a grenade launcher.
The suspect is linked to shootings at Democratic National Committee office and placing dangerous signs.
Kelly faces multiple charges including terrorism, with bail set at $500,000.
Authorities emphasize that political violence and intimidation will not be tolerated.

Massive Arsenal Discovered in Suspect’s Home

Law enforcement officials in Arizona have uncovered a shocking cache of weapons and ammunition in the home of Jeffrey Michael Kelly, a 60-year-old man arrested for allegedly shooting at a DNC office in Arizona and leaving white powder at a number of places in Ahwatukee. The discovery has sent ripples through the community and raised alarms about the potential for politically motivated violence as the nation approaches a contentious election season.

During a search of Kelly’s residence, authorities reportedly seized an arsenal that included over 120 firearms, a staggering 250,000 rounds of ammunition, body armor, and even a grenade launcher. The sheer volume of weaponry found has led prosecutors to consider Kelly a significant threat to public safety.

The sheer size of the cache led authorities to believe “this person was preparing to commit an act of mass casualty,” Maricopa County prosecutor Neha Bhatia said. https://t.co/0JZH1Fn9Oa

— PBS News (@NewsHour) October 24, 2024

Alleged Crimes and Escalating Behavior

Kelly is accused of a series of disturbing actions, including shooting at a Democratic National Committee field office on three separate occasions. Investigators have linked these incidents to a silver Toyota Highlander, which was captured on surveillance footage. Additionally, Kelly is suspected of placing dangerous signs lined with razor blades and attaching bags of white powder marked as “biohazard” in various locations around Ahwatukee.

“He is obviously putting threats out there. He is wanting to scare the population. He is escalating in his violence and the state believes that he is an absolute threat to the community, to any political figures, Democrats specifically,” Deputy Maricopa County Attorney Neha Bhatia said. Bhatia also said authorities believe he was planning an “act of mass casualty.”

These actions have led to multiple felony charges against Kelly, including unlawful discharge, shooting at a non-residential structure, and acts of terrorism. The severity of these charges reflects the growing concern among law enforcement about the potential for political violence in the lead-up to the upcoming election.

Legal Proceedings and Defense Claims

During Kelly’s initial court appearance, his attorney, Jason Squires, painted a different picture of the accused. Squires argued that Kelly is a retired aerospace engineer with no prior criminal record, suggesting that his client’s extensive gun collection was related to his interests as a sportsman.

“You’re talking about a retired aerospace engineer,” attorney Jason Squires said in court. “He is a sportsman, he has a multitude of firearms as a sportsman.”

Despite these claims, the judge set a substantial cash-only bond of $500,000, with an additional $500,000 bond for false terrorist reports, totaling $1 million for Kelly’s release before trial. This decision underscores the seriousness with which the court is treating the allegations against Kelly.

Broader Implications and Concerns

The case against Jeffrey Michael Kelly comes at a time of heightened concern about political violence and extremism in the United States. Law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, have warned about the potential for violence from election deniers and extremist groups promoting unfounded election fraud narratives.

“Let me be clear: Justice does not have a political party,” Tempe Police Chief Kenneth McCoy said to the media. “There is no place in the City of Tempe for political threats and intimidation.”

As the investigation continues, authorities are emphasizing their commitment to preventing political violence and protecting the democratic process. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing law enforcement and the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activities that could lead to more serious crimes.