Federal Officials: Jan. 6 Rioter Armed with Gun When He Breached U.S. Capitol
Man Charged with Plotting to Kill FBI Agents Breaks with Smile on Face
Edward Kelley, a Donald Trump supporter, was one of the few remaining Jan. 6 suspects being held in pre-trial custody. He was arrested in December 2022 for allegedly plotting to murder FBI agents investigating him on Jan. 6 charges.
Kelley’s Previous Arrest and Trials
Kelley was originally arrested on Jan. 6 charges but was released pending trial. However, he was re-arrested in December 2022 for plotting to murder FBI agents. His co-defendant, Austin Carter, admitted to plotting to murder FBI employees as part of the plea agreement.
Trial and Evidence
Kelley stood trial in federal court in Washington, facing charges of civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding, and other misdemeanors. His defense team did not present any witnesses, and he declined to testify.
Gun Allegations
Prosecutors presented evidence that Kelley was armed with a gun on January 6. If true, he would not be the only rioter to be armed. Many have falsely claimed that the rioters were unarmed. In fact, several were armed with guns, leading to longer prison sentences.
FBI Special Agent’s Testimony
FBI Special Agent Jessi Mann demonstrated how the gun holster works during her testimony, using a prop weapon to show how the barrel of the weapon would be concealed inside pants and the handle of the weapon could be covered by a sweatshirt. She also testified that Kelley was seen wearing an inside waistband gun holster, which was meant to conceal the bottom of a weapon.
Other Evidence
Prosecutors presented other evidence, including:
- A clear shot of the ammunition pack Kelley was wearing on his left hip
- Kelley’s claim to be right-handed, which matched where he would typically wear his weapon
- Kelley’s purchase of boxes of ammunition and gas masks leading up to the attack
- Seizure of similar clothing found at his residence during a search
- Kelley’s use of an encrypted email handle "chaos_continues" for online purchases
Witnesses and Evidence
Prosecutors presented several witnesses, including Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman, who was chased up the stairs by the mob. Kelley was at the front of the mob and was seen pointing at Goodman before the mob entered the Senate chamber. Kelley was also seen taking selfies inside the Senate chamber.
Conclusion
As the trial concluded, Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Holvey emphasized that someone must be held accountable for breaching the Capitol for the first time since the British redcoats did in 1814. Over 1,500 people have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack, and more than 1,100 have been convicted.
FAQs
Q: What is the charge against Edward Kelley?
A: Kelley is facing charges of civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding, and other misdemeanors.
Q: What is the significance of Kelley’s gun holster?
A: The gun holster evidence suggests that Kelley may have been armed with a gun on January 6, which is a significant detail in the investigation.
Q: How many people have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 attack?
A: Over 1,500 people have been charged.
Q: How many people have been convicted in connection with the Jan. 6 attack?
A: More than 1,100 people have been convicted.
