The January 6 protester who breached the US Capitol has been convicted of attempting to have law enforcement officials, including FBI agents and staff investigating him, executed, the Justice Department said Wednesday.
Edward Kelley, 35, of Maryville, Tennessee, who was convicted of assaulting police officers and other crimes during the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, was found guilty on Wednesday of conspiring to kill United States workers, seeking to commit. crimes of violence, and influencing or retaliating against government officials by threat.
Jurors reached a verdict after an hour of deliberation following a three-day trial, WBIR-TV reported.
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January 6 protester Edward Kelley is seen at the US Capitol. Kelley was convicted this week of conspiracy to kill FBI agents who were investigating him. (Department of Justice)
Federal prosecutors at his trial in Knoxville, Tennessee, said Kelly made a “kill list” of FBI agents and others involved in the investigation into his behavior on Jan. 6 while awaiting trial for his involvement in the Capitol painting.
He distributed the list, along with videos containing images of FBI agents identified on the list, to the conspirator as part of his “mission,” authorities said.
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The January 6 incident at the US Capitol in 2021. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
Kelly’s co-defendant Austin Carter, who pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiring to kill the FBI agents and is awaiting sentencing, testified that Kelly said he needed to “take out” the FBI. He said he and Kelley planned to attack the FBI Field Office in Knoxville using car bombs and incendiary devices attached to drones.
He also pointed out that conspirators are plotting to kill FBI agents in their homes and in public places like in movies.
Edward Kelley inside the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (Department of Justice)
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A recording presented by prosecutors showed Kelley directing the plan, and giving instructions to “start it,” “attack,” and “take out their office” if he was arrested. He was also recorded saying: “Every song should hurt. Every song should hurt,” authorities said.
Kelley is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2025. He faces up to life in prison.
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