Public January 6 profile · ready to claim

Ryan D. Kelley

Pardoned January 6 defendant

Documented editorial-use image

Ryan Kelley is a West Michigan local government official who turned a January 6 charge into a run for governor, right out in the open, no hiding from it. FACT: Before his arrest, Kelley served as a planning commissioner for Allendale Township, Michigan, an elected local government post. That is public service at the level where most Americans actually feel government: zoning, roads, growth in their own community. FACT: In June 2022, while actively campaigning in the Republican primary for Michigan governor, Kelley was arrested and charged in connection with the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. He stayed in the race and told voters straight to their face where things stood. RYAN STATEMENT: Say what you want about the politics. The man did not duck the cameras or drop out and disappear. He ran a campaign while carrying a federal case, in front of the whole state of Michigan. That takes a spine most people do not have. FACT: Kelley pleaded guilty to Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building. The remaining charges were dismissed. He was sentenced October 17, 2023 to 60 days incarceration, one year supervised release, a $5,000 fine, and $500 restitution. FACT: On January 20, 2025, Ryan Kelley received a full and unconditional pardon. DOCUMENTED INFERENCE: Court filings describe investigators tracking Kelley through public rally footage and witness identification, including remarks he made at a Michigan "Stop the Steal" event. That is the government's version of events, entered as part of a guilty plea. This is the record. Not the campaign attack ad. Not the cable news chyron. The record: a local official, charged, sentenced, and pardoned by the President of the United States. CASE RECORD: Case No. 1:22-mj-133, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Arrested June 9, 2022. Sentenced October 17, 2023. Full pardon January 20, 2025. This profile is unclaimed. If this is you, or your family, claiming it is free, forever.