Arrest made in connection with 3 shootings at Democratic party office in Phoenix suburb – USA TODAY
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Excerpt:
A man has been arrested in connection with shootings at a Democratic party office in the Phoenix suburb of Tempe.
Police identified the man as 60-year-old Jeffrey Michael Kelly, who was arrested Tuesday and charged with 10 counts including committing a terrorist act, criminal damage and unlawful discharge, among others, according to Tempe police.
Additional pending counts against Kelly could also include ones related to an incident where he allegedly left bags of white powder on political signs in the area as well as hanging political signs lined with razor blades, according to court documents.
About a dozen personnel, some from the FBI, were seen at Kelly’s home on Wednesday morning taking inventory of guns found inside, according to reporting from the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network.
…A prosecutor from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said Kelly was “preparing to commit an act of mass casualty.” A court document, obtained by the Republic, said that Kelly’s actions showed a pattern of escalation of his suspected terrorist activity…
The latest shooting at the Democrats’ field office occurred early on Oct. 6. The other two shootings happened in September and within the span of a week − the first on Sept. 16 and the second on Sept. 23. All of the incidents occurred between midnight and 1 a.m. local time.
Man behind Phoenix-area political threats had huge stash of guns, ammo, police say – msn.com
Excerpt:
… From Monday night into Tuesday morning, documents say Kelly was observed posting “anti-Democratic ideology signs“ at various locations near his Ahwatukee home.
The places included Chandler Boulevard near 44th Street and 35th Street, as well as Ray Road and 50th Street.
Phoenix police later said the signs were also lined with razor blades. The signs had messages referring to the Democratic Party and presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Clear plastic bags containing white powder marked ”biohazard” were reportedly attached to the signs, with messages including, “F*** you!,” “play stupid games win stupid prizes!,” and “guess the poison!”
…
“He is obviously putting threats out there,” (Deputy Maricopa County Attorney Neha) Bhatia said in court. “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.”
Kelly’s attorney argued that some of the allegations were inflammatory, saying that his client is a retired aerospace engineer with a top-secret level clearance and no prior criminal record. Regarding the guns, his attorney said Kelly was a sportsman.
“We will not tolerate attempts to intimidate anyone involved in the process. Those who engage in political violence or try to interfere with elections, or discourage people from participating in the political process, will face serious legal consequences. We will aggressively pursue prosecution to protect our democracy and our democratic process.”
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