Decorated Marine veteran Chris Kuehne was raided at home by armed FBI agents in February 2021 for his non-violent participation in the January 6 Capitol protests, where he helped clean up trash and asked others to leave.
Kuehne did not engage in violence or property destruction.
During the early morning raid, Kuehne, his pregnant wife Annette, and their young son were awoken by flashing lights and sirens as over 20 FBI SWAT team members with rifles surrounded their home.
“The FBI instructed Chris to come outside immediately. Our 4-year-old was awakened from the chaos, and I picked him up and ran downstairs to open the front door. Our house, street and neighboring streets were completely surrounded by armed FBI and law enforcement,” Annette said regarding the raid.
Annette was forced outside with the crying child as agents ransacked the home.
“It was a scene that we see so many times in the movies, but now it was here at my house! There were three large armored tactical vehicles parked on my front, side and back yard, and police vehicles that extended throughout the entire community,” she said.
“I open the door, and for a second, I didn’t realize that there were about twenty FBI SWAT Team members with semi-automatic rifles pointed at my son and I. We were covered by the bright red lasers pointed at our faces, chests, and various points on our bodies,” she said.
Annette miscarried the couple’s baby the next day.
Kuehne later pled guilty to a misdemeanor and was sentenced to 75 days in prison and probation.
The traumatic raid and prosecution have financially impacted the family, who have set up a fund for legal fees and expenses.
