Thursday, September 30, 2021
US star faces two years in prison
Olympic champion was present at the Capitol Tower
He wanted to prevent Joe Biden from being officially declared the election winner: US swimming star Klete Keller storms the Capitol in Washington with a violent mob in early January. He admits everything in court – the multiple Olympic champion could go to prison for more than two years.
Two-time Olympic swimming champion Klete Keller pleaded guilty to obstructing the work of Congress in connection with the January 6th storming of the US Capitol. Before a court in Washington, the 39-year-old athlete admitted to having broken into the US Congress building in order to prevent the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the US presidential election last year.
Obstructing Congress is a serious criminal offense in the United States, punishable by up to 27 months in prison. In Keller’s case, a lighter sentence is expected. He has already been fined $ 2,000. In 2004 and 2008, Keller won the gold medal in the 4×200 meter freestyle relay together with the record Olympic champion Michael Phelps. He also won bronze over 400 meters in 2000 and 2004.
Supporters of the elected President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol in Washington on January 6th when a session of Congress was held there to formally confirm Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election. A Trump supporter was shot dead in the Capitol, and a police officer died the day after from injuries sustained in the confrontations. Three other people died in medical emergencies during the riot.
More than 600 people were arrested in connection with the Capitol storm, according to the US Department of Justice. The judiciary is taking action against 185 of them because they allegedly attacked or obstructed officials.