(CNN) Investigators in Arizona were monitoring a man accused of shooting at the Democratic National Committee’s office in suburban Phoenix when they spotted him with a bag containing a white powdery substance. Officials said they were seen posting political signs.
Tempe Police Chief Kenneth McCoy said in a press conference Wednesday that Tempe investigators received a tip from the public and identified Jeffrey Michael Kelly, 60, as the suspect in three shootings at the DNC office. ) has begun an investigation.
The chief said they observed Kelly setting up signs with the bags still attached late Monday and early Tuesday morning.
Kelly was arrested Tuesday on three felony counts of terrorism and seven other charges related to the shooting, according to court records. The state added three felony counts of making false reports of terrorism on Wednesday night, bringing the total to 13.
“It is the state’s belief that Mr. Kelly poses the gravest danger to our democracy and our communities,” Prosecutor George Kelemen said. “Attempting to disrupt political activities or inflicting violence on political parties is completely, completely outrageous.”
In addition to the bag of gunpowder, Keleman said a box cutter blade was attached to the end of the sign Keleman placed. It was not immediately clear what the powdery substance was.
Because of the additional felonies, a judge doubled Kelly’s bail to $1 million cash, an amount that his lawyer argued was completely unaffordable.
Defense attorney Jason Squires told the judge that for Mr. Kelly, “$500,000 could be as much as $5 billion.” As of Thursday night, Kelly remained incarcerated, according to Maricopa County Jail records.
Mr. Kelly was not called to answer at Wednesday’s hearing. CNN has reached out to the prosecutor’s office and Squires for further comment Thursday.
Arizona is one of the key battleground states for the upcoming election, with the rivalry between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump intensifying. The campaign season has already been marred by acts of violence, including assassination attempts on President Trump during a rally in Pennsylvania and on a golf course in Florida.
Kelly is accused of firing three shots at the DNC office in Tempe.
First, shortly after midnight on Sept. 16, Kelly fired more than 10 shots from a BB gun into the building’s front door and windows, McCoy said.
A week later, on Sept. 23, about six shots were fired into the building at the same time, damaging the front windows and office sign, the chief said.
“This time the situation escalated to the point where live ammunition was used,” McCoy said.
Surveillance camera footage from the second incident showed a silver Toyota SUV leaving the parking lot shortly after the shots were fired.
Two weeks later, on Oct. 6, a broken glass alarm went off just after midnight, and officers arrived to find three bullets in the front of the building, McCoy said.
The same silver SUV was seen on surveillance camera footage, the chief said.
“Intimidation, intimidation, and violence against political officials, regardless of political party, is completely unacceptable,” Mitchell said. “These acts create fear, undermine confidence in our elections, and frankly undermine our democratic system.”
“Our department recognizes the importance of this arrest and would like to reassure our community that we are committed to keeping you safe as you go to the polls over the next 13 days,” McCoy said. ” and condemned political violence.
At Kelly’s first court appearance Wednesday, prosecutors announced that more than 120 guns and more than 250,000 rounds of ammunition were found in Kelly’s home after his arrest.
Prosecutors said investigators believe the suspect may have been planning a mass casualty attack.
“Obviously… the number of guns and the number of bullets are certainly factors to consider,” Mitchell said at a news conference.
Defense lawyer Jason Squires strongly disputed claims that Kelly was found in possession of a grenade launcher during a search of his home. “He had a flare gun,” Squires said, adding that Kelly was an athlete and used it “at various competitive events.”
Kelly was charged in 2022 with stealing political signs, but “I don’t think he was charged at the time,” McCoy said.
A review of Kelly’s Facebook posts revealed numerous posts and memes criticizing liberals and Democrats, supporting former President Trump, and pro-gun and pro-military content dating back to 2012. There have been no public posts on Kelly’s page since August 2023.
“We’re continuing to investigate to find out if there was anything further he was trying to do,” McCoy said.
Squires told the judge Wednesday night that his client is a “retired aerospace engineer” with a master’s degree and a top-secret government clearance. He did not provide details about the nature of his work, which requires special permission.
“There was absolutely no evidence that he intended to cause mayhem, destruction and death,” Squires said.
“We remain undaunted and will continue to work hard to ensure East Valley voters cast their ballots in full force until Election Day,” a spokesperson for the Arizona Democratic Party said in a statement.
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly reported the suspect’s first name. His name is Jeffrey Michael Kelly.
CNN’s David Williams and Chimaine Pouteau contributed to this report.
