Tennessee Man Receives Life Sentence for Plotted Attack Against FBI Following Jan. 6 Events
A man from Tennessee, who had previously received a pardon from President Trump for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, has been sentenced to life in prison. This sentence results from a separate case where he was accused of conspiring to incite a “civil war” and planning assaults on FBI agents.
Details of the Case
Edward Kelley, recognized as the fourth rioter to breach the Capitol on that fateful day, has been linked to a separate criminal investigation where he allegedly targeted federal agents while under scrutiny for his actions during the Capitol riot. Prosecutors revealed that Kelley had created a “kill list” that included the names of FBI officials and individuals connected to the investigation of his January 6 activities.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 6, 2021 | Kelley participates in Capitol riot |
| January 20, 2025 | Kelley is pardoned by President Trump |
| November 2025 | Jury convicts Kelley of conspiracy |
| July 3, 2025 | Kelley sentenced to life in prison |
According to court records, Kelley transmitted this kill list, accompanied by videos depicting some of the identified FBI personnel, to a co-conspirator with the intent to fulfill his “mission.” A jury found Kelley guilty of conspiracy in November, and on July 3, 2025, a federal judge in Tennessee handed down the life sentence.
Prosecutors’ Statements
During the sentencing, federal prosecutors painted a grim picture of Kelley, stating that he exhibited no remorse for his actions and demonstrated a troubling ideology that justified targeting law enforcement. “Edward Kelley is remorseless and has shown neither a capacity nor desire to rehabilitate,” they stated. They described Kelley as a self-styled “patriot” who felt compelled to attack East Tennessee law enforcement due to his belief that they were involved in undermining his activities.
Additionally, the Justice Department indicated that Kelley had identified 36 law enforcement personnel as targets for assassination, detailing their names, titles, and contact information.
Consequences of the Pardons
Kelley’s case is not isolated; many individuals involved in the Capitol riots have faced continued legal issues despite receiving pardons. Some former rioters have encountered further legal challenges post-pardon, such as a Florida man arrested on gun charges shortly after the pardons were issued. Another case involved a Texas resident who was apprehended for suspected attempted child solicitation after being released due to a pardon.
Kelley’s involvement on January 6 was especially notable, as security footage confirmed his position as a leading figure in the unlawful invasion of the Capitol. He was part of a group that faced off against Officer Eugene Goodman outside the Senate chamber while lawmakers were evacuated to safety.
As the Justice Department’s recent announcement regarding Kelley’s life sentence reflects, those involved in the Capitol riots are still facing serious repercussions in separate legal battles, underscoring the ongoing impact of the events of January 6, 2021.
