Last Updated on June 20, 2022
Michigan gubernatorial candidate Ryan Kelley, a Republican, was ordered to surrender his guns by a federal judge on Thursday. Kelley was recently arrested and charged with misdemeanors for standing on the Capitol steps on January 6, 2021. His arrest — which included an FBI raid — came as Kelley experienced a polling surge.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robin Meriweather made the ruling over objections from Kelley’s attorney that Kelley needs to carry a concealed weapon for self-defense during campaign appearances around the state.
It has been standard procedure for all of the 800+ individuals who have been charged in connection with January 6 to surrender firearms upon release.
Gary Springstead, a Fremont, Michigan, lawyer and former FBI agent representing Kelley, asked Meriweather to make an exception for Kelley. Springstead argued that while Ryan Kelley is a high-profile candidate, he does not have a paid security team.
Kelley has a concealed pistol license, and “he asked that he be permitted to carry his firearm for his own self-defense, during the campaign.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Frederick Yette objected to making an exception for Kelley, which the judge agreed with.
“I do understand the concern,” about self-defense, she said, but the court has to consider other factors, including the safety of pre-trial services officials who will need to visit Kelley’s home, she said. Kelley was also required to surrender his passport.
Ryan Kelley has been charged with entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, disorderly and disruptive conduct, knowingly engaging in an act of physical violence against a person or property, and willfully injuring property, according to a criminal complaint.
The GOP hopeful made his first appearance in federal court on Thursday and is scheduled to appear in person for a July 7 hearing in Washington D.C.
Ryan Kelley currently leads the GOP field, according to a new Free Press poll.