Evergreen Reporter

A Tennessee resident, Edward Kelley, has been convicted on multiple charges related to his involvement in the January 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. The incident disrupted a joint session of Congress that was verifying the electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election.

Kelley, aged 35 and from Maryville, Tennessee, was found guilty of three felonies: civil disorder, destruction of government property exceeding $1,000 in value, and assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers. He also faced eight misdemeanor charges including entering restricted areas and engaging in disorderly conduct within the Capitol.

The conviction followed a bench trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. Sentencing is scheduled for April 7, 2025.

Evidence presented during the trial showed Kelley involved in an altercation with a United States Capitol Police officer on January 6. He was identified through images and video footage near the West Front of the Capitol building. Kelley was seen participating in actions that led to a breach of security barriers and eventually entered the Capitol building by smashing a window with a piece of wood.

Inside the Capitol, Kelley confronted Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman and moved through several key areas before exiting approximately 40 minutes later.

Kelley was apprehended on May 5, 2022, in Tennessee. His case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia alongside other federal entities such as the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

The investigation into events surrounding January 6 continues with more than 1,561 individuals charged across nearly all states. Of these charges, over 590 involve assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers.

Tips related to this ongoing investigation can be submitted via phone at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.