WASHINGTON: Two Oath Keepers sentenced to prison on Friday for their roles in the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol by Trump loyalists seeking to overturn his electoral loss.
In November, a Washington federal jury convicted Kenneth Harrelson and Jessica Watkins of impeding an official procedure during the Capitol storming. Rioters fought police, broke windows, and drove lawmakers away.
Harrelson received a four-year sentence from US District Judge Amit Mehta, while Watkins received an eight-and-a-half-year sentence. Harrelson also convicted of plotting to obstruct President Joe Biden’s election certification and tampering with evidence. Watkins convicted of conspiring and hindering police during the disturbances. Both acquitted of seditious conspiracy.
Judge Mehta said Harrelson had real sorrow and was less responsible than other Oath Keepers. Unlike other Oath Keepers, Harrelson’s case did not feature extreme or “revolution” rhetoric. Harrelson did not assault or threaten Capitol police officers, the judge added.
During the trial, Harrelson shown chanting “treason” as he entered the US Capitol. Prosecutors claimed he sought to frighten Congress and building staff.
In his impassioned court speech, Harrelson said he had never involved in politics before January 6 and would have stopped police officer violence if he had known. He apologised for his behaviour.
Harrelson’s counsel recommended a shorter term, but federal prosecutors wanted a 15-year sentence. Prosecutors proposed 18 years for Watkins, but her lawyer requested five.
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes received an 18-year prison sentence for seditious conspiracy one day before these sentencing sessions. The 2009-founded Oath Keepers are present and retired US military, law enforcement, and first responders. Some breached the Capitol, while others formed an armed “quick reaction force” at a suburban hotel.
Four Oath Keepers will be sentenced for seditious conspiracy next week.
