Carlos Ayala, a Republican member of the Maryland State Board of Elections, resigned this week after his arrest by the FBI on charges related to the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot. Ayala, who was appointed to the board last year by Democratic Governor Wes Moore, faced both felony and misdemeanor charges. He was released on personal recognizance following his arrest in Maryland.
Michael Summers, the chair of the state elections board, confirmed Ayala’s immediate resignation, emphasizing the board’s commitment to maintaining the security and integrity of Maryland’s elections in a non-partisan manner. Senate President Bill Ferguson expressed surprise and distress over Ayala’s arrest, noting that nothing in Ayala’s conduct during the confirmation process indicated his involvement in the Capitol riot.
Court records reveal Ayala’s alleged participation in the riot, including climbing over police barricades and approaching the Capitol building while carrying a flag with an M-16-style rifle image and the words “We the People” and “DEFEND.” He was reportedly seen on video footage engaging with police officers and was identified near a breached door during the riot. The incident led to Ayala’s flag being pulled into the building during a confrontation with an officer.
Ayala’s arrest adds to the over 1,200 individuals charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes, with a substantial number already sentenced, some to terms of imprisonment.
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