Webdesk: For his role in the US Capitol riot, Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes received an 18-year term.
Rhodes received the longest Capitol rioter sentence for seditious conspiracy and other offences. Rhodes was first charged with 25 years in prison. Florida Oath Keepers leader Kelly Meggs received a 12-year prison sentence.
Rhodes collaborated with Meggs and others who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021, but he did not enter. Rhodes and Meggs both found guilty of document tampering and obstruction of justice. The Capitol riot trial was one of the most publicised.
Rhodes called himself a “political prisoner” and claimed the Oath Keepers were fighting “those who are destroying our country” throughout the hearing. Judge Amit Mehta rejected these accusations and voiced worry over Rhodes’ violent statements, including a threat to hang Nancy Pelosi. Rhodes declared a continuous threat to democracy by the judge.
Prosecutors sought 25 years for Rhodes and 21 years for Meggs, but defence counsel sought fewer than three years apiece. Rhodes formed the Oath Keepers in 2009. As Trump supporters, the armed anti-government gang earned notoriety.
Rhodes’ campaign to reject the November 2020 election results led to the January 6 unrest. He advised fans to prepare for civil conflict. In a Virginia motel near the Capitol, the group stored thousands of dollars of guns and equipment. Rhodes coordinated the ruckus from outside while other Oath Keepers, including Meggs, forced entry. Prosecutors called Rhodes a “battlefield general” during the chaos.
Rhodes and Meggs were convicted of seditious conspiracy, a rarely used Civil War felony with a maximum 20-year term. The defence will appeal the convictions. nearly 1,000 Capitol riot suspects have been apprehended, with nearly half pleading guilty. After trials, the US Justice Department reported 80 guilty judgements.
