Man arrested in Arizona DNC office shooting: police

A suspect has been arrested in connection with three separate shootings at a Democratic National Committee office in Arizona, according to the Tempe Police Department.

Jeffrey Michael Kelly, 60, faces multiple charges including illegal dumping, shooting at a non-residential structure, terrorism and criminal damage.

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Kelly is also accused of “hanging suspicious bags of white powder from several political signs lined with razor blades” in Ahwatukee, police said.

Additional charges could be filed in connection with the white powder incident, according to Tempe Police Chief Kenneth McCoy.

On three occasions between September and early October, Kelly allegedly fired shots at the campaign office, shared by Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign and the Democratic Party.

No one was injured in any of the three shootings, which police said all happened between midnight and 1 a.m.

In the first incident, on Sept. 16, more than 10 shots were fired from a BB gun toward the front of the building, McCoy said.

A week later, on September 23, “the situation escalated to the use of live ammunition,” McCoy said during a press briefing Wednesday. About six shots were fired, damaging the office’s windows and signage, he said.

A silver Toyota Highlander was filmed leaving the parking lot after the shooting, McCoy said.

The third incident occurred Oct. 6, with three bullets fired into 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 information leading to the arrest or indictment of the suspect.” suspects involved in this crime. “

MORE: Harris Arizona campaign office damaged in apparent gunfire, police say

After the photo was posted, a witness provided “critical” information that helped investigators find 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 any charges were filed against him at that time, but fortunately citizens who remembered this incident saw our call for help and contacted us,” he said. declared.

Investigators began monitoring Kelly following this information. The suspect was then observed by investigators displaying anti-democratic signs in Ahwatukee late Monday and Tuesday morning, McCoy said. Bags labeled “biohazard” and containing a white powdery substance were attached to the panels, he said.

Kelly was arrested Tuesday and his bond was set at $500,000 cash during his first court appearance Wednesday, Tempe officials said. He will have to wear electronic monitoring if he sets bond, according to Maricopa County Prosecutor 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’s be clear: justice has no political party,” he said. “The Tempe Police Department will enforce the law and protect everyone, regardless of political affiliation.”

Mitchell warned that anyone attempting to interfere with the electoral process would “face serious legal consequences.”

“Threats, intimidation or violence against political leaders, regardless of the party to which they belong, are completely unacceptable,” she said during the press briefing.

“We will aggressively pursue prosecutions to protect our democracy and our democratic process,” she added.

Man arrested in Arizona DNC office shooting: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com