Maryland Elections Official Faces Charges In Connection With January 6 Capitol Riot

In a significant development, Maryland Republican official Carlos Ayala has resigned from the State Board of Elections following his FBI arrest in connection with charges related to the Capitol riot. Ayala, facing felony civil disorder charges, is alleged to have participated in the riot, identified near restricted areas, and seen climbing over barricades in footage from January 6, 2021.

Appointed by Governor Wes Moore on the state Republican party’s recommendation, Ayala served on the State Board of Elections for only a year. His resignation comes amid a commitment from the Board to uphold election security and integrity in a non-partisan manner. The Board confirmed Ayala’s resignation and expressed its dedication to ensuring the trustworthiness of the electoral process.

This incident underscores the ongoing repercussions and investigations stemming from the events at the Capitol, emphasizing the intersection between political roles and legal accountability.