Fact Check: Kelley sought to attack an FBI office with explosives and drones.

Fact Check: Kelley Sought to Attack an FBI Office with Explosives and Drones

What We Know

Edward Kelley, a 35-year-old man from Maryville, Tennessee, was convicted on November 20, 2024, for conspiracy to murder federal employees, among other charges. The evidence presented during the trial revealed that while awaiting trial for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach, Kelley developed a plan to attack law enforcement, specifically targeting FBI agents and employees. This included creating a "kill list" of FBI agents involved in the investigation against him and distributing this list along with videos of these agents to a co-conspirator as part of his mission (source-1, source-2).

A cooperating defendant, who had previously pleaded guilty, testified that Kelley and he planned to attack the Knoxville FBI Field Office using car bombs and incendiary devices attached to drones. They also discussed strategies for assassinating FBI employees in various locations, including their homes and public venues like movie theaters (source-1, source-2). Recordings were introduced at trial where Kelley instructed his co-conspirators to "start it," "attack," and "take out their office" if he were arrested, emphasizing that "every hit has to hurt" (source-1, source-2).

Analysis

The conviction of Edward Kelley is well-documented and supported by multiple credible sources, including official statements from the U.S. Department of Justice. The details of Kelley's conspiracy, including the use of explosives and drones, are corroborated by testimonies from co-conspirators and evidence presented during the trial. The reliability of the sources is high, as they originate from official government announcements and reputable news outlets covering the trial (source-1, source-2, source-7, source-8).

The testimonies from cooperating defendants add a layer of credibility, as they provide firsthand accounts of Kelley's intentions and plans. Furthermore, the use of recorded statements by Kelley reinforces the claims made against him, demonstrating a clear intent to carry out violent acts against federal employees. The context of Kelley's actions, particularly in relation to the January 6 Capitol events, also highlights a broader trend of violent extremism that has been a concern for law enforcement agencies (source-1, source-2).

Conclusion

The claim that Kelley sought to attack an FBI office with explosives and drones is True. The evidence presented in court, including testimonies from co-conspirators and Kelley's own recorded statements, clearly indicates his intent to carry out such an attack. The conviction and the details surrounding the case confirm the seriousness of Kelley's plans and the potential threat he posed to law enforcement.