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FBI arrests Michigan candidate for governor for his alleged role in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach

The FBI has confirmed that federal agents used a search warrant to search the Allendale home of Ryan Kelley Thursday and took him into custody.

ALLENDALE, Mich. — Ryan Kelley, a Republican candidate for Michigan governor, has been arrested by the FBI, the FBI confirmed to 13 ON YOUR SIDE Thursday. 

Documents from a U.S. attorney say Kelley, 40, was taken into custody for misdemeanor charges in connection to the Capitol breach on Jan. 6, 2021. 

He's facing the following charges:

  • Knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority
  • Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds 
  • Knowingly engage in any act of physical violence against person or property in any restricted building or grounds
  • Willfully injure or commit any depredation against any property of the United States 

Federal prosecutors analyzed photos and videos taken during the Jan. 6. insurrection that showed Kelley at the Capitol. 

Credit: United States District Court
This is a screenshot of evidence taken from court documents filed against Ryan Kelley.

The FBI also received several tips about Kelley's presence at the Capitol. 

Kelley made an appearance in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan Thursday afternoon. 

He was released on a $0 personal recognizance bond. 

Credit: Provided

Michigan Republican Party Chairman Ron Weiser issued a statement Thursday about Kelley's arrest:

“Democrats are weaponizing our justice system in an unprecedented way against their political opponents. We are not a third world nation," he said. "Law and order are the bedrock of our democracy, but justice is not served when it is driven by a political agenda. Families and children are now becoming victims of political theater meant to distract from the failures of Democrat policy. It’s shameful and must end.”

Kelley is one of the five Republican candidates who made it onto the primary ballot for Michigan governor after five other candidates were disqualified. 

The Detroit Free Press says the real estate agent was in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6 when rioters overtook the Capitol. 

Kelley shared on his campaign's Facebook page this phrase: 

Political Prisoner

Posted by Ryan D. Kelley for 50th Governor of Michigan on Thursday, June 9, 2022

Here's a copy of the court documents filed in the case: 

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