Former Olympic swimmer charged for storming the U.S. Capitol
Klete Keller is facing three criminal charges for his involvement in the Capitol riots.
A former Olympic swimmer has been charged for his involvement in the U.S Capitol riots that took place last week.
According to multiple reports, Klete Keller is facing three criminal charges, including violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, knowingly entering a restricted building without lawful authority and obstructing law enforcement.
Keller was caught on camera inside of the Capitol while wearing his Olympic jacket. According to court documents, he was wearing a blue jacket with a “red and white Olympic patch on the front left side” and “USA” written on the back. Federal authorities were able to compare images of Keller in the Capitol to his Colorado driver’s license to confirm his identification.
Keller was part of the U.S. Olympic teams in 2000, 2004 and 2008. He won five medals — two gold, one silver and two bronze — during his three Olympic appearances.
On Wednesday (Jan. 13), USA Swimming, the U.S. governing body of competitive swimming, said in a statement that “while we respect private individuals’ and groups’ rights to peacefully protest, we strongly condemned the unlawful actions taken by those at the Capitol last week.”
“It is very simple and very clear,” USA Swimming continued. “Mr. Keller’s actions in no way represent the values or mission of USA Swimming. And while once a swimmer at the highest levels of our sport — representing the country and democracy he so willfully attacked — Mr. Keller has not been a member of this organization since 2008.”
Over 82 people have been arrested and at least 55 have been charged since the Jan. 6 insurrection. The FBI and local law enforcement are still searching for hundreds more, including 25 rioters who are wanted on domestic terrorism charges. Five people were killed during the riots, including Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, who was struck in the head with a fire extinguisher.