Jan. 6 Rioter Gets Life in Prison for FBI ‘Kill List’

A Tennessee man previously pardoned for his role in the January 6 Capitol insurrection has been sentenced to life in prison for plotting to attack FBI agents and incite what he referred to as a “civil war.” Edward Kelley, known for being the fourth individual to breach the Capitol that fateful day, has now found himself entangled in a separate case that underscores a growing trend among some individuals associated with the Capitol riots — continued criminal behavior despite previous legal leniency.

Life in Prison

Kelley, who participated in the Capitol siege, came under renewed scrutiny when federal prosecutors revealed damning evidence of his intent to carry out violent acts against law enforcement. The Justice Department disclosed that Kelley had compiled a “kill list” targeting not only FBI agents but various officials connected to investigations into his initial conduct during the January 6 event. Prosecutors stated that Kelley “distributed this list — along with videos containing images of certain FBI employees identified on the list — to a co-conspirator as part of his ‘mission.’”

Back to Prison

A jury found Kelley guilty of conspiracy charges in November, leading to his recent life sentence handed down by a federal judge in the Eastern District of Tennessee. “Edward Kelley is remorseless and has shown neither a capacity nor desire to rehabilitate,” prosecutors asserted. They emphasized Kelley’s staunch belief that his actions were not merely justified but a patriotic duty, noting that he targeted law enforcement due to their anticipated role in the very “civil war” he sought to instigate. Kelley’s disdain for law enforcement seems to be fueled by animosity toward those involved in his May 2022 arrest and the subsequent search of his home. Prosecutors further elucidated this strained relationship, arguing that Kelley perceived the FBI as an enemy, categorizing them as valid targets in his twisted ideological battle against the government. Details from the trial revealed that Kelley identified a staggering 36 individuals — federal, state and local law enforcement personnel — to target, compiling a list that included names, titles and even personal phone numbers.

Pardon Power

This dramatic case is not isolated; it forms part of a broader pattern where individuals associated with the Capitol riots are once again finding themselves in legal jeopardy after receiving pardons. A Florida man was recently arrested for gun charges, while a Texas defendant, released by the prior administration’s pardon, was charged with attempted child solicitation. Such cases have raised questions about the effectiveness of the pardon power and whether these second chances serve to discourage or embolden unlawful behavior.

Jan. 6 Riots

Videos and security footage showcased Kelley’s role as part of a mob that confronted U.S. Capitol Officer Eugene Goodman, who famously led rioters away from the Senate chamber just moments before senators were evacuated to safety. Kelley’s prominence in the initial chaos laid the groundwork for his perceived status among other insurrectionists. Interestingly, the Justice Department’s press release announcing Kelley’s life sentence made no explicit mention of the January 6 incident. This omission may reflect a strategic choice to shift focus away from the past actions that have now led to this more profound reckoning. Instead, it outlines the serious threat Kelley poses moving forward, catalyzing discussions about the ramifications of extreme political ideologies within the current socio-political climate.

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