published10. June 2022, 00:39
Republican Ryan Kelley was arrested ahead of the January 6, 2021, public hearings at the US Capitol Storming Committee. He is said to have taken part in the riots.
Kelley is the founder of the far-right American Patriot Council party.
AFP
Footage of Kelly should prove that he “Come on, let’s go! That’s it! It’s war, baby!” cried as an angry mob rioted outside and inside the Capitol.
via REUTERS
Shortly before the start of the public hearings in the investigative committee into the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, the FBI federal police arrested the most promising Republican candidate for the governorship of the state of Michigan. As the Justice Department announced on Thursday, politician Ryan Kelley is accused of taking part in the riots by supporters of then President Donald Trump.
According to the FBI, Kelley was arrested Thursday morning at his home in Allendale, Michigan. The founder of the far-right American Patriot Council is accused of illegally entering the Capitol and intentionally damaging someone else’s property.
Participation evidenced by videos, photos and audio recordings
According to court documents, his participation in the storming of the Capitol can be evidenced by videos, photos and other contributions to online networks, as well as sound recordings. He then asked the crowd to enter the Capitol. In a video released by news site Michigan Tea, Kelley reportedly shows him yelling, “C’mon, let’s go! That’s it! This is war, baby!”
Kelley, who became known through protests once morest the Corona measures in Michigan, is one of several Republican politicians who are running for the governor election in Michigan. According to a survey in May, he has had the best chances so far. It is not yet clear how his arrest will affect his candidacy. On his Facebook page on Thursday: “Political prisoner”.
“Black Day in the History of US Democracy”
On January 6, 2021, hundreds of radical Trump supporters stormed the Capitol as Democrat Joe Biden’s victory in the November 2020 presidential election was to be certified there. The storming of the seat of Congress with five dead caused horror worldwide and is considered a black day in the history of US democracy. As a result, more than 840 people were arrested.
From Thursday evening, the parliamentary committee of inquiry will present its first findings on the role of ex-President Trump in the riots. The meeting will be televised during prime time. According to the U-Committee, Trump’s unsubstantiated allegations of alleged electoral fraud laid the basis for the storming of the Capitol.
(AFP/sys)