Oath Keepers

## What is seditious conspiracy?

In total, more than 870 people have been arrested in connection with the attack, according to Department of Justice figures.

The case against the Oath Keepers group is notable because it includes some of the most serious charges to date. Seditious conspiracy is a crime involving a plot to attack or overthrow the state, but which stops short of treason - waging war against the government.

Mr Rhodes and others are accused of continuing to plot after the riot. On the evening of 6 January he sent another message: "Patriots entering their own Capitol to send a message to the traitors is NOTHING compared to what's coming."

"This is certainly one of the biggest trials to date for the Department of Justice in their 6 January prosecutions," said Jon Lewis, research fellow at George Washington University's Program on Extremism.

The trial could also show how the group has splintered since the Capitol riot. Three Oath Keepers have already pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy and could be called as witnesses at the trial.

## Sentenced

Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes sentenced to 18 years for Capitol riot.

Rhodes, a former US Army paratrooper and Yale-educated lawyer, founded the Oath Keepers in 2009. Armed members of the anti-government group showed up at a number of protests and standoffs, and eventually became staunch supporters of Donald Trump. Dozens were present at the riot.

The sentence is the longest yet given to a Capitol rioter. Prosecutors had asked for 25 years. Rhodes was also convicted last year of obstruction of an official proceeding and tampering with documents or proceedings in one of the highest-profile Capitol riot trials. At a hearing on Thursday, the militia leader showed little remorse, claiming he was a political prisoner and insisting the Oath Keepers only intended to protect other protesters. Judge Amit Mehta rejected those claims and expressed concern about Rhodes' violent rhetoric, including a threat to hang former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

* trial, 25 May 2023

* Who are the Oath Keepers and why are they on trial? Published by bbc on 27 September 2022

## Others

Thomas Caldwell, 67, of Berryville, Virginia; Joseph Hackett, 51, of Sarasota, Florida; Kenneth Harrelson, 41, of Titusville, Florida; Joshua James, 34, of Arab, Alabama; Kelly Meggs, 52, of Dunnellon, Florida; Roberto Minuta, 37, of Prosper, Texas; David Moerschel, 44, of Punta Gorda, Florida; Brian Ulrich, 44, of Guyton, Georgia and Jessica Watkins, 39, of Woodstock, Ohio. In addition to the earlier charges filed against them, they now face additional counts for seditious conspiracy and other offenses.

James Beeks, 49, of Orlando, Florida; Donovan Crowl, 51, of Cable, Ohio; William Isaacs, 22, of Kissimmee, Florida; Connie Meggs, 60, of Dunnellon, Florida; Sandra Parker, 63, of Morrow, Ohio; Bernie Parker, 71, of Morrow, Ohio, and Laura Steele, 53, of Thomasville, North Carolina. The other case charges Jonathan Walden, 57, of Birmingham, Alabama.
The three indictments collectively charge all 19 defendants with corruptly obstructing an official proceeding. Eighteen of the 19 defendants – the exception is Walden – are charged with conspiring to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiring to prevent an officer of the United States from discharging a duty. Eleven of the 19 defendants are charged with seditious conspiracy. Some of the defendants are also facing other related charges.

In the one year since Jan. 6, more than 725 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 225 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

## Which Oath Keepers are on trial?

If convicted, the five could face up to 20 years in prison. On trial alongside Mr Rhodes are:

* Thomas Caldwell, a former Navy officer from Virginia who once worked for the FBI. Mr Caldwell allegedly helped prepare Oath Keepers teams to rapidly transport weapons from outside of Washington - which has relatively strict gun laws - to the Capitol. Prosecutors say he kept a "death list", which included the name of an elections official in Georgia.

* Kelly Meggs, head of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers. He and other Oath Keepers allegedly marched up the east steps of the Capitol and stormed a set of doors. Other legal filings alleged that Mr Meggs boasted on Facebook messages about creating an alliance with Proud Boys and Three Percent militia members.

* Kenneth Harrelson, also from Florida, allegedly roamed the House of Representatives chamber searching for Speaker Nancy Pelosi, but did not find her.

* Jessica Watkins, an Afghanistan war veteran from Ohio. The indictment says she charged into the Capitol and encouraged people to push against a line of police officers guarding the Senate chamber. During the riot, Ms Watkins messaged other Oath Keepers, telling them that 30-40 members were "sticking together and sticking to the plan".

In total, at least 20 Oath Keepers members have been charged with a variety of crimes, and Mr Tarrio and other Proud Boys members will stand trial on seditious conspiracy charges in December.