Former Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Kelley pleaded guilty on Thursday to misdemeanor charges related to his involvement in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol. Kelley, who finished fourth in Michigan’s 2022 gubernatorial primary, captured 15 percent of the vote. His guilty plea came after authorities received anonymous tipsters’ photographs, which were then handed over to the FBI, proving Kelley’s presence at the Capitol that day.
Federal investigators revealed that Kelley was among the crowd that stormed the Capitol, causing law enforcement officers to retreat into the building. Although he did not enter the premises himself, investigators stated that Kelley directed parts of the crowd around the Capitol. Initially, he pleaded not guilty to charges including entering a restricted area and destruction of government property. However, in a recent agreement, Kelley pleaded guilty solely to the restricted area charge, leading to the dismissal of other charges. Kelley is scheduled to be sentenced on October 17.
Prior to his involvement in the insurrection, Kelley gained prominence as a vocal “Stop the Steal” activist in Allendale, Michigan. In a speech given at a rally in November 2020, he cast doubt on the integrity of the election and denied the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic, alleging that it was fabricated to manipulate public opinion. At the time of his arrest in 2022, Kelley was a leading candidate in the GOP gubernatorial primary, as indicated by polling data.
Kelley, acknowledging that he was present in Washington, D.C., on January 6, adamantly denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the vast majority of demonstrators exercised their First Amendment right to peacefully protest.
Kelley ultimately garnered 165,000 votes in the primary, securing fourth place behind Tudor Dixon, who was subsequently defeated by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D). His lawyer, Gary Springstead, announced that Kelley intends to return to Michigan and resume his career as a commercial real estate agent. Springstead emphasized that Kelley never entered the Capitol nor caused harm to anyone, strongly refuting any suggestion to the contrary.
In conclusion, former Republican candidate Ryan Kelley’s guilty plea in connection with the Capitol insurrection marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation surrounding the events of January 6, 2021. While Kelley’s political aspirations have come to an end, his actions and the subsequent legal repercussions serve as a sobering reminder of the profound impact of that fateful day in American history.
Author: Ryan Scott
Just a guy
