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Terrorism charge issued in 3 shootings at Tempe Democratic Committee offices
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Terrorism charge issued in 3 shootings at Tempe Democratic Committee offices

PHOENIX – The man accused of three shootings at the Democratic National Committee offices in Tempe has been indicted on alleged terrorism and other charges, authorities announced Wednesday.

A grand jury on Monday indicted Jeffrey Michael Kelly, a 60-year-old resident of Phoenix’s Ahwatukee neighborhood, in an eight-count indictment.

In addition to one count of terrorism, he faces three counts each of discharging a firearm into a structure and unlawfully discharging a firearm plus one count of criminal damage.

Kelly allegedly shot at the Democratic National Committee office at Southern Avenue and Priest Drive on three occasions between Sept. 16 and Oct. 6, according to the Maricopa County Prosecutor’s Office.

Prosecutors say he used a CO2-powered pellet gun during the first incident and firearms on the other occasions. He allegedly fired more than 20 times, damaging windows, front doors and walls.

According to the Tempe Police Department, no one was in the building at the time of the shooting.

Tempe terrorism suspect linked to white powder in Ahwatukee

Kelly is also accused of placing bags containing a powdered substance “BIOHAZARD” on political signs in Ahwatukee last week.

A tip from Silent Witness led to his arrest on December 22.

During Kelly’s initial court appearance, a prosecutor said he had more than 120 guns and more than 250,000 rounds of ammunition in his home. That led authorities to believe he may have been planning a mass casualty event.

Kelly is being held on two $500,000 cash bonds, prosecutors said. He could face more charges in connection with the Ahwatukee incident.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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