Fact Check: Edward Kelley plotted to assassinate multiple law enforcement officials.

Published June 19, 2025

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# Fact Check: Edward Kelley Plotted to Assassinate Multiple Law Enforcement Officials ## What We Know Edward Kelley, a 35-year-old man from Maryville...

Fact Check: Edward Kelley Plotted to Assassinate Multiple Law Enforcement Officials

What We Know

Edward Kelley, a 35-year-old man from Maryville, Tennessee, was convicted by a federal jury of conspiring to murder federal employees, including FBI agents. This conviction came after a three-day trial in the Eastern District of Tennessee, where evidence was presented that Kelley had developed a plan to kill law enforcement officials while awaiting trial for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach (Department of Justice).

During the trial, it was revealed that Kelley created a "kill list" of FBI agents and others involved in the investigation of his actions on January 6. He shared this list with a co-conspirator and discussed plans to attack the Knoxville FBI Field Office using car bombs and incendiary devices. Testimony from a cooperating defendant indicated that they had strategized about assassinating FBI employees in various public locations, including their homes and movie theaters. Recordings of Kelley were introduced as evidence, where he expressed intentions to "start it," "attack," and "take out their office" if he were arrested again (New York Times, Washington Post).

Analysis

The evidence presented in court, including the creation of a kill list and the planning of violent attacks, strongly supports the claim that Kelley plotted to assassinate law enforcement officials. The testimony from a cooperating defendant who had previously pleaded guilty adds credibility to the prosecution's case, as it provides an insider's perspective on the conspiracy (NBC News).

Furthermore, the recordings of Kelley discussing his plans and the explicit language he used, such as "Every hit has to hurt," illustrate a clear intent to carry out violent acts against law enforcement (CNN). The reliability of the sources reporting on this case, including major news outlets and official statements from the Department of Justice, indicates a high level of credibility. These sources are known for their rigorous fact-checking and adherence to journalistic standards.

While some individuals may argue that Kelley's statements could have been hyperbolic or not intended for action, the combination of his detailed planning, the establishment of a kill list, and the collaboration with co-conspirators strongly indicates that he was serious about his intentions.

Conclusion

The claim that Edward Kelley plotted to assassinate multiple law enforcement officials is True. The evidence presented during his trial, including the creation of a kill list, plans for violent attacks, and corroborating testimonies, confirms that Kelley had a clear and actionable intent to harm law enforcement personnel.

Sources

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