UPDATE: see the end of this article for breaking news
The insurrection at the United States Capitol has definitely showed us the darker side of those we once thought of as harmless, despite any problematic belief systems they held.
Even moreso, it has showed it is not just the poor, uneducated and disenfranchised in the mob Trump inspired despite the excuses made for their behavior.
Even elite athletes like United States Olympic Swimmer Klete Keller—who was identified among the domestic terrorists at the Capitol complex—decided to attack the United States legislative branch at the behest of the President over an imagined slight.
Trump supporters inside the Capitol Rotunda. pic.twitter.com/Run5MwPnTx
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) January 6, 2021
Trump supporters fought back after Capitol Police moved in to retake the Rotunda. pic.twitter.com/4e7mNyqWZy
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) January 6, 2021
Keller was identified in the video.
He was wearing his US Olympic Team jacket to boot.
Olympic gold medalist was part of crowd that invaded Capitol https://t.co/iQf4RK5NXZ pic.twitter.com/jewUutAH8N
— Jeffrey Levin (@jilevin) January 12, 2021
Keller’s social media accounts have all been suspended as well, in conjunction with Twitter and Facebook’s crackdowns on content.
Klete Keller, a two-time Olympic gold medalist relay swimmer, was among terrorists who attached the US Capitol. MAGAts aren't just stereotypical hicks from no-horse towns, and that's what makes them dangerous. https://t.co/HWRuHTGEs6
— Bougie Banton 🇯🇲 (@CornmealDumplin) January 13, 2021
This is disappointing. I met him in the early 2000s. He was pretty cool. Unfortunate that his choices have lead to this…
— AlliWhich (@AlliWhich) January 13, 2021
Throw this man out of the Olympics once and for all…he stands for everything that goes against the Olympic motto and mandate…it's time to show the world that violence will never be tolerated under any circumstances ever !!
— FightThePower (@FuckThePower2) January 13, 2021
Olympic medalist? More like terrorist
— Bcbud420 (@Bcbud4201) January 13, 2021
Klete Keller sounds almost as racist as Tom Cotton
— Dr. Anthony Grauci (@SKEEerra) January 13, 2021
Keller was employed by the real estate firm Hoff & Leigh in Colorado Springs, Colorado until resigning his position after being identified by neighbors, teammates and coaches in the videos of the Capitol riot.
STATEMENT FROM HOFF & LEIGH pic.twitter.com/W37zNDfYiE
— Hoff & Leigh (@HoffLeigh) January 13, 2021
Calls are mounting for him to be stripped of his Olympic medals.
Lol Klete Keller being identified because he’s 6’6 and wore and Olympic team jacket is one of my favorite stories rn. 😂😂😂 these people are IDIOTS.
— CityLifeLove (@CityLifeLove) January 13, 2021
Here is a video that clearly shows Klete Keller in his USA Oliympic Swim Team jacket at the #CapitolRiot . https://t.co/7wgGgwtC8Y
— June Stone (@Junocomm) January 13, 2021
My statement on reports of an alumni Olympic athlete being involved in the horrific acts at the U.S. Capitol building last week: pic.twitter.com/i5nRGElXkq
— Sarah Hirshland (@USOPC_CEO) January 13, 2021
Strip Klete Keller of his medals, he is no American #KleteKeller #weareremovingthedictator #StripKlete
— Zac_TheArtist (@theartist_zac) January 13, 2021
Arrest him https://t.co/mehz4NWEkK
— 👑NotMyCupOfTea👑 (@HippEncounters) January 13, 2021
USA Swimming released a statement regarding Keller’s participation in the insurrection:
“We respect private individuals’ and groups’ rights to peacefully protest but in no way condone the actions taken by those at the Capitol last week.”
This Olympian — who attempted to overthrow and subvert democracy — still has his gold medals.
But 100+ years later, Native Olympian Jim Thorpe is STILL not solely recognized for his 1912 gold medals.
Can you spot the difference?
Keller’s medals must be revoked immediately. https://t.co/f5hZdH9Rih
— Rep. Jimmy Gomez (@RepJimmyGomez) January 13, 2021
So Klete Keller wrecked what was likely a hero status in America. I wonder if he has any sponsorships. If he does, he's sure to lose them. Well done, you f'ing moron terrorist.
— GoogleIsYourFriend📚🏳️🌈💛 (@KLMResister) January 13, 2021
“Klete Keller, a champion swimmer who won two Olympic gold medals…”
Bro imagine having TWO OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALS and still being a huge loser https://t.co/Ljw2hitAgv
— Bravo (@bravo3od) January 13, 2021
If Jim Thorpe still doesn't have his medals for a ridiculous technicality, Klete Keller should be stripped of his for trying to overthrow a free and fair election. https://t.co/U4G3gk8264
— Dr. Lindsay Stallones Marshall (@lindstorian) January 13, 2021
Keller had not been formally charged as of this writing, but was reported to the proper authorities.
It is unclear what further consequences he may suffer, though it seems like the writing is on the wall for all who took part in this act of domestic terrorism.
UPDATE:
Klete Keller, 38, was charged with civil disorder, knowingly entering a restricted building and violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds.
Charges were filed in federal court Wednesday. The criminal complaint includes an arrest warrant.