Maryland elections official quits after being hit with Jan. 6 charges

Carlos Ayala, a Republican member of the Maryland State Board of Elections, resigned from his submit Thursday after the FBI arrested him Tuesday on fees associated to taking part within the riot on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

Maryland State Elections Board Chair Michael Summers confirmed the resignation in an announcement Thursday, The Related Press reported.

“The board is dedicated to sustaining the safety and integrity of our elections in Maryland in a non-partisan method,” Summers mentioned. “The State Board will stay steadfast in our mission to supervise our elections course of and function a trusted supply of knowledge for all Marylanders through the presidential election 12 months.”

Ayala’s legal professional, James Trusty, declined to remark to the AP.

Ayala was arrested Tuesday and charged with civil dysfunction — a felony — and associated misdemeanor offenses.

In courtroom paperwork, prosecutors allege Ayala was recognized amongst a bunch of rioters illegally gathered on restricted Capitol grounds close to scaffolding arrange for the upcoming inauguration. He will be seen in video footage climbing over police barricades and transferring towards the entrance of the gang gathered by the Senate Wing door of the Capitol, in accordance with the Justice Division (DOJ).

He can then allegedly be seen inside a window close to the Senate Wing Door utilizing CCTV footage from inside the Capitol constructing. The DOJ mentioned he was holding “a particular black and white flag affixed to a PVC pipe flagpole bearing the phrases ‘We the Individuals’ and ‘DEFEND.’ Featured prominently on the flag was a picture of an M-16-style rifle.”

The DOJ alleges an unidentified rioter was later seen in “the identical space the place Ayala was current, jabbing a flag and flagpole at a USCP officer.” Ayala couldn’t be recognized on CCTV footage at the moment, nonetheless, in accordance with the division.

Ayala was appointed to the Maryland State Board of Elections final 12 months by Gov. Wes Moore (D) after the Republican Celebration really useful him. Moore was required by legislation to appoint at the very least two Republicans to the five-person board.

Greater than 1,265 folks have been charged in connection to the riot on the Capitol on Jan. 6, the DOJ mentioned.