Capitol riot suspect plotted to kill federal agents investigating him, records allege
Newly unsealed court documents allege that a Tennessee man arrested in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection conspired with another person in a failed attempt to kill dozens of federal agents involved in the investigation.
More than 880 people have been charged with crimes related to the attack on Jan. 6, 2021, the Justice Department said. Edward Kelley, 33, was one of many arrested on suspicion of illegally entering the U.S. Capitol and assaulting an officer.
According to the FBI, Kelley later discussed plans with Austin Carter, 26, to kill law enforcement personnel who had worked on his criminal investigation, and made a list of targets. Court records show that a witness provided the list of 37 names to a local Tennessee police department Tuesday.
Kelley and Carter discussed collecting information and plans to law enforcement officials on the list, which also included on the FBI’s Knoxville field office.
“You guys are taking them out at their office,” said Kelley, who was allegedly recorded by the unidentified witness Wednesday, the records show. “What you and Austin need to do is recruit as many as you can, call who you need to, and you’re going to attack their office.”
When the witness asked if the attack was taking place at the Knoxville office, Kelley said yes, the records show.
Court transcripts show a judge dismissed a 2021 kidnapping case against the Colorado Springs gay nightclub shooting suspect even though she had concerns about them.
Carter, the documents say, later told the witness that “this is the time, add up or put up” and ”to definitely make sure you got everything racked, locked up and loaded.”
Attorneys for Kelley and Carter did not return messages seeking comment.
Kelley and Carter made their appearance in court Friday in Knoxville before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill E. McCook. They are charged with conspiracy, retaliating against a federal official, interstate communication of a threat and solicitation to commit a crime of violence.
“Federal law enforcement agents put their lives on the line every day to protect the public,” U.S. Atty. Francis M. Hamilton III said in a news release Friday. “Planning and threatening violence against them is among the most serious of crimes. It is absolutely unacceptable and will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.”
The two men are scheduled for a preliminary hearing Jan. 3. Meanwhile, Carter’s detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
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