Jan. 6 Capitol Rioter Edward Kelley on Trial for Alleged Murder Plot and Capitol Breach

Edward Kelley, Jan. 6 Capitol Rioter, Faces Trial for Alleged Murder Plot and Capitol Breach

Edward Kelley, a Donald Trump supporter and anti-abortion activist, is facing trial for his alleged involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot and a subsequent plot to kill FBI agents investigating him. Kelley was one of the first rioters to breach the Capitol building and is accused of assaulting officers, obstructing an official proceeding, and destroying government property.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Kelley may have been armed during the attack, wearing a concealed gun holster under his sweatshirt. FBI Special Agent Jessi Mann demonstrated how the holster works and testified that the outline of a weapon could be seen in photos of Kelley during the attack. Additionally, Kelley was seen purchasing ammunition and gas masks in the days leading up to the attack.

Kelley is also facing charges for allegedly plotting to kill FBI agents investigating him in December 2022. He and co-defendant Austin Carter admitted to plotting the murders in a plea agreement. Kelley is set to go to trial for the murder plot in November 2023.

During the Capitol riot trial, prosecutors presented several witnesses, including Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman, who was chased by the mob up the stairs near the Senate chamber. Kelley was at the front of the mob and was seen pointing at Goodman before entering the Senate chamber, where he took selfies overlooking the dais.

Prosecutors argued that Kelley and the other rioters were determined to stop Congress from certifying the 2020 election results and that someone needed to be held accountable for breaching the Capitol for the first time since the War of 1812.

The trial is ongoing, and the judge will decide whether Kelley is guilty of the charges against him.