Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Kelley was arrested Thursday by the FBI on misdemeanor charges in connection with the Jan. 6 insurrection on the U.S. Capitol, as confirmed by Ryan J. Reilly of NBC News.
The Detroit News reports that federal court records describe Kelley as being an agitator during the insurrection.
“At approximately 2:20 PM., Kelley continued to gesture to the crowd, consistently indicating that they should move towards the stairs that led to the entrance of the U.S. Capitol interior spaces,” the complaint reads.
Kelley, 40, who’s been questioned before about his connection to militia groups and for prompting poll workers to meddle with voting equipment during the 2020 presidential elections, is a real estate broker in Allendale, Michigan, WoodTV reports.
Kelley reportedly told poll workers at the time: "If you see something you don't like happening with the machines, and you see something going on, unplug it from the wall.”
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When Kelley’s comments came to light, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson made clear they would not tolerate tampering with voting equipment or intimidation of voters, Fox 2 Detroit reported.
"It's concerning, it's dangerous, it's disappointing, but we must be vigilant," Benson said, calling on other lawmakers to renounce violence and rhetoric of bogus elections.
"Anyone who violates election law will be prosecuted to the fullest extent under law. That said, in addition to that, as partisan officials seek to advance their agenda with lies that threaten to undermine our election system, we need all leaders including leaders from both parties, elected leaders to condemn these remarks. There is no place for this hateful rhetoric or for these threats in our democracy, especially in a moment like this," Benson said.
According to Fox 2, Kelley not only participated in the riot on the Capitol on Jan. 6, but additionally organized a pro-gun rally to protest Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's pandemic orders at the Michigan State Capitol.
Kelley has four charges against him: Knowingly entering or remaining in a restricted building; disorderly and disruptive conduct; knowingly engaging in any act of physical violence against person or property in a restricted building or grounds; willfully injuring or committing depredation against property of the U.S.
Kelley is scheduled to appear in federal court in Grand Rapids on Thursday. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted.
Daily Kos will update this story as more details become available.
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