By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Political Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Carlos Ayala, newly resigned member of the Maryland State Board of Elections, was arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection and breach of the U.S. Capitol. The FBI arrested Ayala, 52, on Jan. 9 on civil disorder, a felony according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Ayala is a Republican from Salisbury, Md. He was appointed to the Maryland State Board of Elections in 2023 by Gov. Wes Moore (D), recommended by the Maryland GOP.
“The Maryland GOP believes in the First Amendment and in the American principle that one is innocent until proven guilty,” said Nicole Beus Harris, chairwoman of the Maryland Republican Party. “That said, Mr. Ayala did choose to resign because he believes that the 2024 elections process and the State Board of Elections is extremely important and should not be muddied with distraction.”
The Moore administration declined to comment though Michael G. Summers, chairman of the Maryland State Board of Elections, provided a statement on Ayala’s arrest and resignation.
“As chair of the Maryland State Board of Elections, I have accepted the immediate resignation of Carlos Ayala,” stated Summers. “The Board is committed to maintaining the security and integrity of our elections in Maryland in a non-partisan manner. The state board will remain steadfast in our mission to oversee our elections process and serve as a trusted source of information for all Marylanders during this presidential election year.”
According to court documents, Ayala was allegedly identified among a group of rioters on restricted U.S. Capitol grounds near scaffolding erected for President Biden’s inauguration.
Ayala allegedly carried a flagpole that day bearing the words “We the People” and “DEFEND.” The flag also had repetitive images of an M-16-style rifle, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Ayala is allegedly seen on video climbing over police barricades, waving his flag through a Capitol window and jabbing his flagpole at a Capitol officer.
Since Jan. 6, 2021, over 1,265 individuals have been charged in almost all 50 states for crimes relating to the U.S. Capitol attack. Around 440 individuals have faced felony charges of assaulting or obstruction of law enforcement.
Morgan Drayton, policy and engagement manager of the Common Cause Maryland, released a statement on the matter. The Common Cause Maryland is a nonprofit organization that aims to strengthen democracy.
“It is sickening to think that Ayala was making decisions about our elections after allegedly participating in the attempted insurrection. His disrespect for the voices of Maryland voters and his disregard for the peaceful transfer of power stands in direct contrast to the duties of the Board of Elections. It is concerning that he was allowed to be a part of the Board, but we are grateful that he will be held accountable for his crimes, even if it is three years later,” said Drayton. “After the 2024 election, the General Assembly should seriously consider whether the process for selecting board members needs to be changed. This should be a wake-up call.”
Tashi McQueen is a Report For America corps member.