JONESBORO, Ark. — A 19-year-old Jonesboro male was arrested after police say he posted a video online loading an AR-15 style rifle, making explicit threats, and referencing a school.
Eli Marshall Kelley, 19, is charged with threatening to commit acts of mass violence on school property, a Class C felony.
According to a probable cause affidavit, officers received multiple complaints on Nov. 19 about a video posted to Instagram. In the video, Kelley is reportedly seen loading an AR-15 style rifle, placing it under his chin, shaking it while yelling explicit statements, and — after loading the firearm — waving it back and forth while threatening to find the “nearest school.”
Police say the video caused alarm within the community, particularly for the safety of students in the area.
During an interview, Kelley admitted to recording and posting the video.
The affidavit also notes that in 2022, as a juvenile, Kelley was investigated for threatening to commit mass violence at a local school.
Kelley appeared in video court on Friday. Judge Tommy Fowler set bond at $150,000 cash only, citing the seriousness of the charge and his concerns for public safety. Fowler also ordered that Kelley cannot possess weapons, and if he stays with family members who own firearms, those weapons cannot be in the same home. He must also not be on any school property.
Three family members were present during the hearing and were visibly emotional. When asked if they wanted to give Kelley a message, one male relative said, “We love you, son.”
Kelley’s next court date is Jan. 23, 2026.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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