In a shocking turn of events, Carlos Ayala, a member of the Maryland State Board of Elections, has resigned following his arrest and multiple charges in connection with the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol breach. Ayala, 52, of Salisbury, now faces a felony civil disorder charge and various misdemeanors, as revealed by the U.S. Attorney's Office of Washington, D.C.

According to federal charging documents obtained by 11 News, Ayala was identified among a group of rioters who illegally gathered on restricted Capitol grounds. The evidence against him includes witness accounts, cellphone video footage from his travel companion, social media posts, CCTV footage, body-worn camera footage, his phone number found in Maryland firearms registry records, and the outfit he wore on the day of the breach.

The charges against Ayala are currently being investigated by the FBI's Baltimore and Washington field offices, with assistance from the U.S. Capitol and Metropolitan police departments.

Ayala's appointment to the Board of Elections raises questions about the vetting process. The Maryland Republican Party recommended Ayala, and he was one of two newly appointed members approved by Governor Wes Moore and the state Senate. His term on the Board began on July 1, 2023. Attempts to seek comment from the Maryland Republican Party have gone unanswered.

Maryland State Board of Elections Chairman Michael Summers released a statement accepting Ayala's immediate resignation. Summers emphasized the Board's commitment to maintaining the security and integrity of elections in Maryland in a non-partisan manner. He assured Marylanders that the Board will continue to oversee the electoral process and serve as a trusted source of information during this presidential election year.

State election officials have reiterated that the bipartisan Board, now comprising four members, will continue to work diligently to ensure the smooth running of elections. State Elections Administrator Jared DeMarinis clarified that he has no control over the Board's membership process. Still, he assured the public that there will be no wavering from their commitment to secure and accurate elections. DeMarinis urged Marylanders to have confidence that their votes will be counted and that the true winners will be determined through the primary and general elections.

As the case against Carlos Ayala unfolds, the Maryland State Board of Elections remains dedicated to upholding the integrity of the electoral process, emphasizing that the actions of one member do not reflect the organization as a whole.