A Jan. 6 defendant, Edward Kelley, was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday for plotting to kill FBI agents and other law enforcement officers who investigated his role in the 2021 Capitol attack.
Despite his conviction, Kelley remains unrepentant, still claiming that his actions were justified, driven by his belief as a “patriot” to target law enforcement.
Details of the Case
Kelley, 36, from Maryville, Tennessee, was convicted in November 2024 after a three-day trial on charges including conspiracy to murder federal employees, solicitation to commit violence, and influencing a federal official by threat.
The Justice Department described Kelley as “remorseless” for his actions, noting his continued belief that targeting law enforcement was justified.
During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Kelley had compiled a “kill list” of law enforcement officers, which included FBI agents and officials from various Tennessee agencies. He shared this list, along with disturbing videos, with a co-conspirator as part of his assassination plot.
Despite the severity of his actions, Kelley continues to maintain that his conduct was righteous. Judge Thomas A. Varlan, who presided over the case, agreed with the prosecution’s argument that Kelley deserved the harshest penalty available, given his “fundamental absence of remorse” and “profound disrespect for the rule of law.”
The Justice Department’s Position
In their sentencing memorandum, the Department of Justice (DOJ) highlighted the ongoing threat Kelley posed. They characterized him as someone who had “no intention of rehabilitating” and continued to view himself as a victim of the FBI and the U.S. government.
Kelley had previously tried to argue that his murder plot conviction was somehow connected to the events of January 6 and that he should be pardoned due to an executive order issued by then-President Donald Trump.
However, Judge Varlan rejected Kelley’s claims, citing that none of the charges had any legal connection to the Capitol riot.
Kelley’s Actions and Motivations
According to trial evidence, Kelley had developed a detailed plan for targeting law enforcement, including assassinations. He was recorded making disturbing statements, saying things like, “Every hit has to hurt” and directing co-conspirators to “start it,” “attack,” and “take out their office” should he be arrested.
His plotting escalated after he was arrested for his involvement in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. During his violent attack on the Capitol, Kelley was found guilty of civil disorder, destruction of government property, and assaulting officers.
The Justice Department stressed that Kelley’s actions were not just an isolated incident but part of a larger pattern of violent conduct and a clear effort to escalate tensions, even pushing for a civil war in the country.
Kelley’s Continued Belief in Justification
Despite facing the full weight of the law, Kelley has not wavered in his belief that he was justified in targeting law enforcement. He still holds the view that he was acting as a “patriot” and carrying out what he considered to be a duty to retaliate against those investigating him for his participation in the Capitol attack.
The Sentencing
On Wednesday, Judge Varlan sentenced Kelley to life in prison for his crimes, which will ensure he will spend the rest of his days behind bars. The DOJ expressed satisfaction with the life sentence, emphasizing the need for deterrence against others who might entertain similar dangerous ideas.
The government described Kelley’s criminal conduct as a “grave threat” to the safety of law enforcement and the integrity of the judicial process, reinforcing the seriousness of his actions.
Legal Defense
Kelley’s defense attorney, Mark Brown, argued that the DOJ had painted Kelley in a false light, claiming that the allegations against him included unsubstantiated and uncharged accusations. However, Judge Varlan dismissed these claims, siding with the government’s case and the evidence presented during the trial.
Kelley’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences faced by individuals who engage in violent conduct and threats against law enforcement. While Kelley remains steadfast in his belief that he was justified in his actions, the courts have made it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated.
As the Justice Department continues to prosecute cases related to the January 6 Capitol attack, Kelley’s life sentence is a clear message that the rule of law and accountability will prevail.
