Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Kelley was arrested and had his home raided by FBI agents on misdemeanor charges related to the January 6 riots at the US Capitol in 2021.
Kelley's arrest comes 17 months after he traveled to Washington, DC for the rally and protest that turned into a riot.
Video released by the Michigan Democratic Party showed what appeared to be Kelley approaching the Capitol building while yelling out, "Come on, let’s go! This is it! This is– this is war, baby!"
The investigation started after tips were sent to federal agencies, according to the criminal complaint filed in federal court in DC.
Ryan Kelley:
— Michigan Tea (@MichiganTea) June 28, 2021
“Come on, let's go! This is it! This is, this is war baby!"@kelleyforgov pic.twitter.com/IrNc3Rv10M
One tip said that Kelley was seen in a black coat with a backward cap and sunglasses. Another tip from an informant who worked for the FBI identified Kelley in a separate video.
Video also shows Kelley near scaffolding outside the Capitol.
"At approximately 2:00 p.m., Kelley climbed onto and stood on an architectural feature next to the North West stairs and indicated by waving his hand that the crowd behind him should move towards the stairs leading into the U.S. Capitol building," the complaint reads.
Kelley filed paperwork to launch his gubernatorial run just after attending the riot, in January of 2021.
A real estate broker, Kelley was also the founder of the American Patriot Council, which called for the arrest of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel, and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
"Gretchen Whitmer, Dana Nessel, and Jocelyn Benson are felons and should be arrested and put in prison," Kelley said in the video.
Detroit News says that Kelley is one of five GOP candidates remaining in the race for the party’s nomination for governor.
"Just days after their field was cut in half due to corruption and mass fraud, Republican gubernatorial candidates’ callous disregard for the principles of democracy was on full display again today as Ryan Kelley was taken into custody by the FBI following his participation in the January 6th insurrection," Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes said.
A spokesperson for Kelley's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Detroit News on Thursday morning.
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