News Summary
Edward Kelley, a military veteran from Tennessee, has been sentenced to life in prison for plotting an attack on an FBI office and aiming to assassinate law enforcement officers. His conviction includes conspiracy to murder federal employees, following a violent history stemming from the January 6 Capitol riot. Prosecutors label Kelley as remorseless, citing his military background as juxtaposed with his violent intentions. This case highlights ongoing threats to law enforcement that have emerged from politically charged events.
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE – Edward Kelley, a 36-year-old military veteran from Maryville, Tennessee, has been sentenced to life in prison for plotting to attack an FBI office and assassinate law enforcement officers. The sentencing was handed down on Wednesday after Kelley was convicted in November 2022 of conspiracy to murder federal employees, solicitation to commit a crime of violence, and influencing federal officials by threat.
Kelley was among the first rioters to breach the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection, which aimed to overturn the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. Nearly two years following the Capitol riot, he conspired with another man, identified as Austin Carter, to execute an attack on law enforcement. Their plan involved using improvised explosive devices attached to vehicles and drones targeting federal offices.
Prosecutors classified Kelley as “remorseless” and incapable of rehabilitation, indicating that he rationalized his conduct based on his self-identified status as a “patriot.” Kelley’s legal troubles began after the Capitol riot, where he was recorded assaulting a Capitol Police officer and causing significant damage to government property. In January 2021, he was granted a pardon by President Donald Trump for his charges related to the January 6 incident. However, a judge determined that the pardon did not cover Kelley’s subsequent actions in Tennessee, allowing for his continued prosecution.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Varlan denied Kelley’s request for release while appealing the sentence. The judge concurred with prosecutors who argued that Kelley’s crimes were distinct from his Capitol conduct “by years and miles.” The court emphasized that Kelley demonstrated neither the capacity nor desire for rehabilitation and engaged in serious violent crimes directed towards law enforcement.
As part of his conspiracy to murder federal employees, Kelley compiled a “kill list” that included the names of 36 law enforcement officers involved in his May 2022 arrest pertaining to the Capitol riot. Kelley shared this list with Carter, presenting it as their first “mission” targeting these officers. Moreover, Kelley and his associates utilized an encrypted messaging platform to coordinate their plans and engaged in military-style training sessions toward the end of 2022.
Prosecutors highlighted Kelley’s intent to retaliate against law enforcement stemming from their involvement in his arrest. They noted that the planned assaults were meant to occur in public settings, amplifying the threat posed by his actions. Austin Carter has since pleaded guilty to similar conspiracy charges and is scheduled to be sentenced on August 4, 2024.
Kelley served in the Marine Corps for eight years, having been deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan before his discharge in 2015. His military background paints a complex picture, as it contrasts with his increasingly violent actions post-service. The case closed in courtroom chronicles the disturbing trajectory of a former service member who turned from defending his country to plotting violence against those who enforce the law.
Through this case, the serious implications of the January 6 Capitol riot continue to resonate, revealing how subsequent acts of violence and threats towards law enforcement can stem from such politically charged events. The court’s decision underscores the determination to hold individuals accountable for conspiracy and violent intentions, particularly when those intents target federal employees protecting the rule of law.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Shootings Rock Quiet Green Isle Community
Tragic New Year’s Day Incident Rocks New Orleans
Tragedy Strikes New Orleans: Edward Pettifer Among Victims
Tragedy Strikes New Orleans During New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Tragic Start to the New Year: Former Princeton Football Player Killed in New Orleans Attack
Connecticut Democratic Lawmakers Targeted by Bomb Threats in Coordinated Attack
Suspicious Fires at Ballot Boxes in Portland and Vancouver Prompt Investigations by Authorities
Kentucky Community Fearful as Manhunt Intensifies for Shooting Suspect
Additional Resources
- WBIR
- ABC News
- NBC News
- Cleveland.com
- Reuters
- Wikipedia: January 6 Capitol Attack
- Google Search: Edward Kelley FBI attack
- Google Scholar: January 6 insurrection
- Encyclopedia Britannica: January 6 Insurrection
- Google News: FBI violence against law enforcement
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
