The FBI arrested the leading Republican candidate for governor of Michigan on Thursday, accused of participating in the assault on the U.S. Capitol. States on January 6, 2021 by supporters of then-President Donald Trump.
(Read: Assault on the Capitol: committee will reveal the involvement of Donald Trump)
The Justice Department said that Ryan Kelley, 40, participated in the violent attack on Capitol Hill that was aimed at stopping the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory over Trump in the November 2020 presidential election.
(He is interested in: They arrest a veteran with a large ballistic arsenal in front of the Capitol)
Kelleymember of the Planning Commission in the locality of Allendale, Michigan, and fFounder of far-right American Patriot Council charged with trespassing on Capitol Hill and engaging in acts of violence against property.
An affidavit filed in Washington federal court details his involvement in the Jan. 6 riots, using videos, photos and other information posted on social media, as well as phone records, to identify him. In some cases, Kelly even urged the crowd to enter the Capitol.
A video of that day posted online by the Michigan Tea news site reportedly shows Kelley yelling, “Come on, come on! This is it! This is war, baby!” Kelley was arrested at his Allendale home early Thursday morning, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI.
The reasons that led to his arrest almost a year and a half after the events were still not clear.
This real estate agent, linked to a local militia that protested against the removal of statues of Confederate generals or anti-Covid restrictions, has embarked on the race to become governor of Michigan.
In a survey published at the end of May after the invalidation of other candidacies, Kelley led the voting intentions in the Republican primaries on August 2. It is unknown how this arrest will affect her campaign.
For now, on his Facebook page there was a two-word statement: “Political prisoner.” Kelley is among more than 840 people arrested for participating in the attack on the US Congressional headquarters on January 6, 2021..
Most, including Kelley, have been charged with misdemeanors for trespassing on Capitol Hill and obstructing an official meeting of Congress. But about 255 people face criminal charges of assault, robbery and conspiracy.
On Monday, five members of the far-right group Proud Boys, which was involved in organizing the Jan. 6 raid, were charged with seditious conspiracy, which carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
AFP
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