Tennessee rioter convicted of plot to kill FBI agents on January 6

A Jan. 6 rioter who broke into the U.S. Capitol has been found guilty of attempting to have law enforcement officers, including FBI agents and employees who were investigating him, killed, it was announced Wednesday the Ministry of Justice.

Edward Kelley, 35, of Maryville, Tennessee, who was convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers and other crimes during the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, was found guilty Wednesday of conspiracy to murder employees of the United States, 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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January 6 rioter Edward Kelley seen at the United States Capitol. Kelley was convicted this week of plotting to kill the FBI agents who were investigating him. (Department of Justice)

Federal prosecutors at his trial in Knoxville, Tennessee, said Kelly compiled a “hit list” of FBI agents and others involved in the investigation into his conduct on Jan. 6 while awaiting trial for his involvement in the Capitol riot.

He distributed the list, along with 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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A scene from the January 6 riot at the United States Capitol in 2021. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, file)

Kelley's co-defendant, Austin Carter, who pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiring to kill FBI agents and is awaiting sentencing, said Kelly said he needed to “take out” the FBI. He said he and Kelley planned attacks on the FBI's Knoxville field office using car bombs and incendiary devices attached to drones.

He also testified that the conspirators developed a strategy to assassinate FBI employees in their homes and in public places such as movie theaters.

Edward Kelley inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. (Department of Justice)

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The recording presented by prosecutors showed Kelley directing the plan and giving instructions to “start it,” “attack” and “take out their office” if arrested. He was also recorded stating: “Every blow must hurt.” Every blow must hurt,” authorities said.

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