Capitol Rioter Convicted of Plotting to Murder FBI Agents, Found Guilty on Multiple Charges
A jury has convicted Edward Kelley, a Jan. 6 rioter who breached the U.S. Capitol, of conspiracy to murder employees of the United States, solicitation to commit a crime of violence, and influencing or retaliating against federal officials by threat. The 35-year-old from Maryville, Tennessee, was also found guilty of assaulting law enforcement officers and other crimes during the Capitol attack. The verdict came after an hour of deliberation following a three-day trial.
Kelley’s Disturbing “Kill List” and Plans for Violent Attacks
During the trial in Knoxville, Tennessee, federal prosecutors revealed that Kelley had developed a “kill list” of FBI agents and others involved in investigating his actions on Jan. 6. While awaiting trial for his involvement in the Capitol riot, Kelley shared the list and videos featuring identified FBI employees with a co-conspirator as part of his sinister “mission.”
Kelley’s co-defendant, Austin Carter, who had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kill FBI agents, testified that Kelley expressed the need to “take out” the FBI. Carter revealed that they had planned attacks on the Knoxville FBI Field Office using car bombs and incendiary devices attached to drones. The conspirators also discussed assassinating FBI employees in their homes and public places like movie theaters.
Chilling Recordings and Sentencing
Prosecutors presented recordings during the trial that captured Kelley directing the plot and giving instructions to “start it,” “attack,” and “take out their office” in the event of his arrest. Authorities also noted that Kelley was recorded stating, “Every hit has to hurt.”
Kelley is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2025, and he faces a potential life sentence. The conviction serves as a stark reminder of the extreme and dangerous ideologies that fueled the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
