Pardoned Jan 6 Rioter Sentenced Life for FBI Assassination Plot

Edward Kelley, a military veteran pardoned by President Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot, has been sentenced to life in prison for plotting to assassinate FBI agents investigating his case. Despite the pardon covering his initial felony convictions related to storming the Capitol and assaulting a police officer, it did not extend to his separate conspiracy to kill 37 FBI agents using car bombs and drones. Evidence presented at trial included a 'kill list' and recorded instructions from Kelley to co-conspirators to carry out attacks, reflecting his intent to incite a 'civil war' and target law enforcement. Kelley and his co-conspirator Austin Carter, who is awaiting sentencing, coordinated military-style training and planned violent attacks on federal agents linked to the January 6 investigations. The judge denied Kelley's release pending appeal, emphasizing the severity of his threats and violent ideology motivating the assassination plot. This case highlights the ongoing legal consequences for January 6 participants and the limits of presidential pardons in cases involving additional criminal conduct.