WASHINGTON D.C. – Leo Christopher Kelly, a 37-year-old from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, will spend the next two and a half years in federal prison for his role in the January 6th Capitol riot. Kelly was sentenced Friday to 30 months behind bars, plus three years of supervised release and a hefty $7,000 fine. The sentence follows a jury conviction in May on charges stemming from his brazen actions inside the Capitol building.
Kelly wasn’t just *present* on January 6th; he was actively involved in the chaos. Federal prosecutors detailed how Kelly pushed past security and stormed the Senate Chamber – a rare feat among the hundreds who illegally entered the building that day. He didn’t stop at simply entering the chamber. Witnesses and video evidence showed Kelly climbing onto the Senate Dais, the raised platform normally reserved for the presiding officer, and began pawing through sensitive documents.
The feds say Kelly wasn’t there to protest peacefully. He was there to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election, and his actions were a direct attempt to obstruct an official proceeding. He wasn’t just sightseeing. Kelly photographed the documents he rifled through, sharing images with others, further broadcasting the disruption and potentially compromising sensitive information. The evidence presented at trial painted a clear picture of a man intent on escalating the situation.
Judge Royce C. Lamberth clearly wasn’t impressed with Kelly’s behavior. The 30-month sentence sends a message, according to sources within the courtroom, that those who actively participated in the attack on the Capitol will face serious consequences. The $7,000 fine is intended to cover some of the costs associated with the damage and disruption caused by the riot. The three-year supervised release period will ensure Kelly is monitored after his release, with strict conditions to prevent further offenses.
Kelly’s journey to a prison cell began with attending the rally at the Ellipse, near the White House, before marching towards the Capitol with the mob. He then forced his way through the West Terrace courtyard and entered the Capitol through the Parliamentarian’s Door. Inside, he allegedly witnessed others bashing in office doors before entering a ransacked office and confronting law enforcement officers. He actively contributed to creating a gap in the police line, allowing more rioters to flood into the building, before finally making his way to the Senate floor.
This sentencing is part of a larger, ongoing federal investigation into the January 6th attack. To date, over 1,106 individuals have been arrested across the country for their involvement. The feds continue to pursue leads and bring charges against those who participated in the riot, including those accused of assaulting law enforcement officers. The FBI is still asking for the public’s help in identifying additional suspects, and tips can be submitted online.
This case, like many others stemming from January 6th, underscores the gravity of the events that unfolded that day and the commitment of federal prosecutors to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The feds are determined to see every participant face the consequences of their choices.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the Capitol breach is encouraged to contact the FBI.
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