A military veteran from Tennessee was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for plotting to attack an FBI office and target law enforcement officers following his arrest related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Edward Kelley, a former Marine who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was among the early individuals to breach the Capitol, according to the Associated Press.
Prosecutors said nearly two years later, Kelley collaborated with another man to develop plans involving explosive devices and drones aimed at the FBI office in Knoxville.
Kelley also created a list of 36 law enforcement officials connected to his May 2022 arrest and search of his home.
In November, Kelley was found guilty of conspiring to murder federal officials, soliciting violent acts, and threatening federal agents.
Although Kelley received a pardon from President Donald Trump for his Capitol Building offenses, U.S. District Judge Thomas Varlan ruled that the pardon did not apply to the Tennessee case.
“Kelley’s crimes in the Tennessee case were separated… by years and miles,” Varlan said in court.
Prosecutors argued for a life sentence, citing concerns about the severity of the plan and lack of remorse.
“Kelley not only believes the actions for which he was convicted were justified but that his duty as a self-styled ‘patriot’ compelled him,” Prosecutors wrote.
Kelley had previously been convicted on 11 riot-related charges before his presidential pardon. The FBI stated he was seen helping push a Capitol Police officer to the ground and damaging property.
Kelley’s attorney, Mark Brown, said Kelley did not injure or directly threaten anyone and maintained his client was exercising free speech.
“Kelley does not deserve the same sentence as an actual ‘terrorist’ who injured or killed hundreds or thousands,” Brown argued, opposing the application of a terrorism-related sentencing enhancement.
Co-defendant Austin Carter pleaded guilty to conspiracy in January 2024 and is scheduled for sentencing in August. Prosecutors reported that Kelley and Carter used encrypted platforms to discuss the plan and that Carter testified to participating in military-style exercises.
According to court records, Carter said he believed the plot could have been carried out if the two had not been arrested.
