Tennessee Resident Claims Involvement in Plot to Murder FBI Agents with Jan. 6 Suspect

Plot to Murder FBI Employees: Associate of Jan. 6 Defendant Pleads Guilty

In a shocking turn of events, a former security officer and Army Reserves member, Austin Carter, pleaded guilty this week to charges related to a plot “to murder employees of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).” This revelation adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing investigation into the events of January 6, 2022.

The Conspiracy and Admission of Guilt

According to a recently unsealed plea agreement, Carter admitted to unlawfully conspiring with his co-defendant, Edward Kelley, to kill FBI personnel. In a stunning twist, Carter provided a cooperating witness with a list of FBI employees obtained from Kelley, instructing the witness to memorize it and then destroy the evidence. The purpose of this conspiracy was to retaliate against government conduct, as Carter confessed.

Details of the Murder Plot

The court filing revealed that Kelley’s list included the names of approximately 37 law enforcement personnel involved in his own case related to the events of January 6. The list even identified which officers were present during Kelley’s arrest, adding a chilling dimension to the alleged murder plot.

Connection to the Capitol Riot

Edward Kelley, an anti-abortion activist, was initially arrested in May 2022 as one of the first rioters to breach the Capitol on January 6. Disturbing video footage captured Kelley using a piece of wood to break a window, allowing other rioters to infiltrate the building. Kelley and Carter, now linked through this murder plot, were arrested last December.

Upcoming Trials and Sentencing

Kelley is scheduled for a jury trial in January for the federal murder conspiracy charges. Meanwhile, a status conference for his January 6 case is set for December. As for Carter, both he and the prosecutors have agreed that a maximum sentence of 120 months in prison is appropriate for this case. A detention memo filed after Carter’s arrest highlighted his extensive security experience and advanced training as a member of the Army Reserves.

The Ongoing Capitol Investigation

With more than 1,200 people charged and another 1,000 suspects identified but not yet charged, the investigation into the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol continues. However, it’s important to note that the statute of limitations for most of the crimes committed on that day expires in early 2026.