Oath Keepers on Trial for Jan 6th Capitol Riot
September 28, 2022 By Omal J
(Image Credit Google)
In one of the most high-profile cases resulting from the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, the far-right militia group Oath Keepers members are on trial. The government charged Stewart Rhodes, the group's leader, and four other people with engaging in a seditious conspiracy to thwart the transfer of presidential authority. However, they all pleaded not guilty.
Who are the Oath Keepers?
The Oath Keepers, a pro-gun, anti-government organization founded in 2009, kicked off with a rally in Lexington, Massachusetts, the location of one of the Revolutionary War's opening engagements.
The group's name is derived from the pledge of allegiance that the military, law enforcement, and other authorities take. For instance, those taking the military oath affirm their commitment to "support and defend the United States Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic."
The group prioritizes hiring former service members, law enforcement officers, and other front-line "first responders" in their recruitment efforts.
Why is the government putting the Oath Keepers on trial?
According to officials, Oath Keepers, members of the all-male far-right Proud Boys, members of militia organizations like the Three Percenters, and proponents of the conspiracy theory QAnon were among the attackers of the January 6 Capitol riot.
Since the violence, evidence of prior preparation and potential group coordination has surfaced. For instance, a video captured by documentary filmmaker Nick Quested depicts Mr. Rhodes with the Proud Boys' leader Enrique Tarrio on January 5, 2021.
Although there is no proof that Mr. Rhodes personally entered the Capitol on the day of the attack, the prosecution claims that other members of that group did.
More Details
According to Department of Justice data, officials detained over 870 persons concerning the incident. The Oath Keepers case is noteworthy because it contains some of the most serious accusations to date.
Besides, three Oath Keepers have already entered guilty pleas to charges of seditious conspiracy, and they might testify during the trial. On the other hand, the government accused at least 20 members of that group of several crimes. Lastly, Mr. Tarrio and other Proud Boys members will go on trial in December on counts of seditious conspiracy.
By Omal J
I worked for both print and electronic media as a feature journalist. Writing, traveling, and DIY sum up her life.