Olympian Klete Keller, who was pardoned by President Donald Trump this week for his role in storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, was overcome with emotion when he heard the news.
“It didn’t feel real. And waking up this morning, I was like, ‘My gosh. Wow, this is over. I don’t have to check in with my probation officer anymore,’” Keller told The Washington Post. “It’s just such an amazing feeling of relief.”
The former USA swimmer and two-time gold medalist pleaded guilty in September 2021 to one count of obstructing an official proceeding and was later sentenced to six months of house arrest and three years probation.
Keller expressed regret for his actions in Washington D.C. on that day during the interview with the outlet.
“I know my actions really angered and caused hurt to millions of Americans,” Keller said. “I told this to the judge, and I meant it. I acted without thinking. I didn’t pause and take time to reflect,” adding that he was “very emotional, dark place during that period.”
“… I’m just so grateful that I have the opportunity now to move forward,” Keller said.
Keller allegedly spent roughly an hour in the Capitol on Jan. 6, chanting “F–k Nancy Pelosi!” and “F–k Chuck Schumer!” and resisting officers’ efforts to remove him from the building before exiting only after cops deployed mace and other force on the crowd, prosecutors argued.
He was also accused of shoving cops as the mob moved into the Rotunda of the Capitol to try and halt the certification of the 2020 Electoral College result.
“I have no excuse for why I am in front of you today,” Keller said before receiving his sentence in December 2023. “I understand my actions were criminal and that I am fully responsible for my conduct.”
Keller, 42, won his first gold medal during the 2004 Olympics in Athens in the 4×200-meter relay event, and won it again four years later in Beijing.
