Man Accused of Shooting at Kamala Harris’ Arizona Office, Found with Over 120 Guns and 250,000 Rounds of Ammunition
A 60-year-old man, Jeffrey Michael Kelly, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly shooting at a Democratic National Committee office in Arizona and hanging suspicious bags of white powder from political signs in a nearby village.
Investigation and Arrest
Authorities discovered that Kelly had over 120 guns and more than 250,000 rounds of ammunition in his home, seemingly preparing for a "mass casualty," said Deputy County Attorney Neha Bhatia. When he was arrested, Kelly was found with a machine gun and multiple guns in his car.
Court Hearing
Kelly appeared in court, where Bhatia portrayed him as a person preparing to commit a mass casualty act. She asked for a $1 million cash bond, which was later reduced to $500,000. The judge noted the large number of guns and ammunition found at Kelly’s home, which included multiple machine guns, loaded firearms, silencers, and body armor.
Police Response and Investigation
Police responded to three incidents at the DNC office over the course of three weeks, with the first incident occurring on September 16, when the office’s front doors and windows were hit by a pellet or BB gun. Real bullets were fired at the office on September 23, and again on October 6.
Additional Charges and Suspicious Packages
Police are considering additional charges in connection with the suspicious packages containing white powder that were hung on political signs in the village of Ahwatukee, Arizona, where Kelly resides. The packages were lined with razor blades.
Reaction from Authorities
The Arizona Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign Manager, Sean McEnerney, expressed gratitude for the work of the Tempe Police Department and vowed to cooperate with investigators.
Defense Attorney’s Comments
Jason Squires, Kelly’s defense attorney, described him as a retired aerospace engineer and "a sportsman" who had licenses to possess various firearms, including a "top-secret clearance through his employer" until 2020. Squires emphasized Kelly’s lack of prior convictions, stating, "To kind of guess guilty at this stage is somewhat dangerous for a man who has absolutely no prior anything."
Conclusion
The suspect’s arrest is a worrying development, coming just 13 days before the general election, as Arizona is a critical battleground state. Authorities have pledged to hold those responsible for political violence or intimidation accountable.
FAQs
- Q: What is the nature of the crimes committed by Jeffrey Michael Kelly?
A: Kelly is accused of shooting at a Democratic National Committee office and hanging suspicious bags of white powder from political signs in a nearby village.
Q: How many guns and rounds of ammunition did authorities find at Kelly’s home?
A: Authorities found over 120 guns and more than 250,000 rounds of ammunition in Kelly’s home.
Q: What is the suspect’s background?
A: Kelly is a 60-year-old retired aerospace engineer and "a sportsman" who had licenses to possess various firearms, including a "top-secret clearance through his employer" until 2020.
Q: What is the current status of Kelly’s bond?
A: Kelly’s bail was set at $500,000.
