Michigan Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Arrested In FBI Raid For Role In Capitol Riot

The FBI arrested Michigan Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Kelley early Thursday for his participation in the Jan. 6 riot.

Agents arrested Kelley at his home in Allendale, Michigan, on multiple misdemeanor charges. Authorities also executed a search warrant of his home.

Kelley, 40, is a former real estate broker and Allendale Township Planning Commissioner. He is also a founder of the American Patriot Council. Kelley denies he went inside the Capitol on Jan. 6.

Video footage showed him cheering on protesters. He was heard saying, "Come on, let's go! This is it! This is, this is war baby!" Multiple tips also identified Kelley in videos. One of them shows him standing on the scaffolding on the western side of the Capitol.

Kelley faces multiple charges, though none involve him entering the Capitol. He was charged with "knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, knowingly engaging in any act of physical violence against person or property in any restricted building or grounds and willfully injuring or committing any depredation against any property of the United States."

Kelley, who is one of five Republican candidates for Michigan governor, has yet to respond publicly to the charges. FBI spokesperson Maria Schneider only confirmed the search of his home and his arrest.

He will appear in federal court in Grand Rapids later on Thursday and could face up to 10 years in prison.

His arrest comes on the day a House select committee holds the first of at least six public hearings on national television.

Kelley, who is one of three public officials charged with participating in the Jan. 6 riots, also participated in other rallies. He reportedly led protests in 2020 against Michigan lockdown and COVID-19 mandates and helped organize the Nationwide Freedom March.