Two-time Olympic gold medalist Klete Keller was arrested in Colorado on Thursday, the day after she was charged with connection to the riot at the United States Capitol.
The former USC swimmer is accused of intentionally entering or staying in a restricted building, disorderly conduct in the Capitol building and preventing law enforcement.
Keller did not say much during his initial federal court appearance in Denver on Thursday afternoon, in addition to answering basic questions from Judge Michael E. Hegarty.
The judge ordered Keller to be released on personal bail, which means he would not have to pay money or property, and restricted his trip to Colorado and Washington DC when his physical presence is required for court hearings.
Keller was identified through a video taken by a journalist during the chaos at the Capitol roundabout on January 6, standing out in the wild scene because of his US Olympic team jacket and a height of six feet.
“Additional open source research has revealed that media such as SwimSwam, a news organization covering competitive swimming and other related sports, have identified this individual as possibly KLETE DERIK KELLER. His statement confirmed this identification, ”said the complaint filed with the United States District Court in Washington.
Keller, who lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, won gold medals in the 800 meter freestyle relay at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and the Beijing Olympics in 2008. He also won a silver relay medal and two bronze medals individual.
He won three individual NCAA titles from the USC in 2001 and 2002 and then returned to Los Angeles to train with the Trojan Swim Club before the Beijing Olympics.
USA Swimming denounced Keller’s alleged involvement in the riot in a statement distributed to members of the organization.
“It is very simple and very clear,” said the statement. “Sir. Keller’s actions by no means represent the values or mission of USA Swimming. And although he was a swimmer at the highest levels of our sport – representing the country and the democracy he attacked so deliberately – Mr Keller has not been a member of this organization since 2008. ”