Tennessee man convicted of Jan. 6 riot found guilty of plotting to kill FBI agents investigating him

A January 6 rioter who violated US Capitol was convicted of trying to kill law enforcement personnel, including FBI agents and employees who were investigating him, the Justice Department said Wednesday.

Edward Kelley, 35, of Maryville, Tenn., who was convict of assaulting law enforcement officers and other crimes during the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, was found guilty on Wednesday of conspiracy to kill United States employees, solicitation to commit a crime of violence and influencing or retaliating against federal officials by threat.

The jury agreed on a verdict after an hour of deliberation following the three-day trial, WBIR-TV reported.

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Edward Kelley seen near the US Capitol — January 6 rioter Edward Kelley was seen at the US Capitol. Kelley was convicted this week of plotting to kill the FBI agents who were investigating him.

Federal prosecutors at his trial in Knoxville, Tenn., said Kelly had developed a “kill list.” FBI agents and others who attended the investigation into his conduct on January 6 while awaiting trial for his involvement in the Capitol riot.

He distributed the list, as well as videos containing images of FBI employees identified on the list, to a co-conspirator as part of his “mission,” authorities said.

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Kelley’s co-defendant Austin Carter, who pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiracy to kill FBI agents and is awaiting sentencing, testified that Kelly said he had to “take out” the FBI. He said he and Kelley planned attacks at the Knoxville FBI Office using car bombs and incendiary devices attached to drones.

He also testified that the conspirators strategized about assassinating FBI employees in their homes and in public places such as movie theaters.

Edward Kelley inside the Capitol — Edward Kelley inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Recordings introduced by prosecutors showed Kelley directing the plan and giving instructions to “start,” “attack” and “get his desk out” in the event of his arrest. He was also recorded saying, “Every hit has to hurt. Every hit has to hurt,” authorities said.

Kelley is scheduled to be convicted on May 7, 2025. He faces life in prison.

Source of the original article: Tennessee man convicted of Jan. 6 riot found guilty of plotting to kill FBI agents who investigated him