Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes faces sentencing for seditious conspiracy in Jan. 6 attack
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes will be sentenced Thursday after a landmark verdict convicting him of spearheading a weekslong plot to keep former President Donald Trump in power, culminating in far-right extremists attacking the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
1st seditious conspiracy sentences in Jan. 6 attack to be handed down for Rhodes, other Oath Keepers
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and members of his extremist group will be the first Jan. 6 defendants sentenced for seditious conspiracy in a series of hearings beginning this week that could forecast the punishments coming for top Proud Boys leaders convicted of the same charge.
Garland: Justice Dept.'s civil rights work is key priority
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland says the early work of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division meant confronting white supremacists who were intimidating Black voters, and the division's work remains urgent 65 years later amid a surge of hate crimes.
Sedition trial win bolsters Justice Dept. in Jan. 6 probe
The seditious conspiracy convictions of Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and another leader in the far-right extremist group show that jurors are willing to hold accountable not just the rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, but those who schemed to subvert the 2020 election.
Oath Keepers' Rhodes guilty of Jan. 6 seditious conspiracy
Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes has been convicted of seditious conspiracy for a violent plot to overturn President Joe Biden's election, handing the Justice Department a major victory in its massive prosecution of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection.
Jan. 6 trial highlights missed warnings before Capitol siege
The seditious conspiracy trial against the Oath Keepers founder and four associates is raising fresh questions about intelligence failures in the run-up to the Capitol riot that appear to have allowed the anti-government group and other extremists to mobilize in plain sight.
Oath Keepers founder: Be 'ready to fight' after Trump loss
Messages show that hours after Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election, the leader of the Oath Keepers extremist group was discussing how to push President Donald Trump to go further in his fight to cling to power.
Oath Keepers trial: Jan. 6 was 'rebellion,' prosecutor says
Prosecutors are saying at the opening of the most serious case to reach trial in the attack on the U.S. Capitol that the founder of the Oath Keepers extremist group and four associates planned for an “armed rebellion” to stop the transfer of presidential power.
Elected officials, police chiefs on leaked Oath Keepers list
A new report says that the names of hundreds of U.S. law enforcement officers, elected officials and military members appear on the leaked membership rolls of a far-right extremist group that’s accused of playing a key role in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.
AP sources: Intel shows extremists to attend Capitol rally
Far right extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers are planning to attend a rally later this month at the U.S. Capitol that is designed to demand “justice” for the hundreds of people who have been charged in connection with January’s insurrection.
AP sources: Intel shows extremists to attend Capitol rally
Far right extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers are planning to attend a rally later this month at the U.S. Capitol that is designed to demand “justice” for the hundreds of people who have been charged in connection with January’s insurrection, according to three people familiar with intelligence gathered by federal officials.
Florida man conspired with Central Florida Oath Keepers ahead of Jan. 6 Capitol riots, FBI says
A man from Southwest Florida is accused of taking part in the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol in Washington, D.C. and conspiring with other members of the Oath Keepers from Central Florida head of the attacks, according to the FBI.
2nd Oath Keeper pleads guilty to conspiracy in Jan. 6 riot
An Alabama man who stormed the U.S. Capitol with other members of the Oath Keepers extremist group has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and is cooperating with prosecutors in another major boost for the Justice Department in its sweeping Jan. 6 investigation.
Feds: Oath Keeper coordinated with Proud Boys before riot
Several members of the Proud Boys, who describe themselves as a politically incorrect men’s club for “Western chauvinists,” have also been charged with conspiring to obstruct Congress. AdOn Dec. 19, Meggs wrote in a Facebook message that he “organized an alliance" between the Oath Keepers, Proud Boys and Florida Three Percenters, an anti-government movement. Days later, Meggs wrote that the Oath Keepers would probably be guarding someone during the day, “but at night we have orchestrated a plan" with the Proud Boys. Then we will have the proud boys get in front of them the cops will get between antifa and proud boys. Ad“Then wait for the 6th when we are all in DC to insurrection,” Meggs wrote, authorities say.
Evidence shows Florida man planned Capitol siege, prosecutors say
“Well we are ready for the rioters , this week I organized an alliance between Oath Keepers , Florida 3%ers [sic] , and Proud Boys . !” and also showed the man discussing tactics involving the Proud Boys, according to prosecutors. We catch them in the middle ..game over”AdKenneth Harrelson and other Oath Keepers seen inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Then we will have proud boys get in front of them the cops will get between antifa and proud boys . Following the riot at the Capitol, prosecutors said in their brief that Meggs wrote in an online Signal chat, “We aren’t quitting!!
Justice Dept. probing prosecutor's Capitol riot interview
The flap over the interview highlights the Justice Department’s challenges in handling the sprawling case that involves hundreds of defendants from across the country. The criminal division chief, John Crabb, said the “60 Minutes” matter has been referred to the Justice Department's Office of Professional Responsibility for investigation. “We understand and we share the court’s concerns about the media contacts and disclosures that have been made,” Crabb said. Also on Tuesday, a federal judge ordered pretrial detention for Timothy Hale-Cusanelli, a man described by prosecutors as a white supremacist and Nazi sympathizer, charged with storming the Capitol. Ad____Associated Press reporters Colleen Long and Michael Balsamo in Washington and Michael Kunzelman in College Park, Maryland contributed to this story.
Federal grand jury indicts Titusville man on charges related to Capitol siege
ORLANDO, Fla. – A federal grand jury indicted a Titusville man Monday on a list of felony charges related to the Capitol riot. Kenneth Harrelson and other Oath Keepers seen inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (FBI)Federal investigators said Harrelson attended planning calls with Oath Keepers, a militia group tagged as an extremist group by the FBI, before storming the Capitol earlier this year. Harrelson was previously facing charges of conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding, destruction of government property and entering restricted grounds. Ad[MORE COVERAGE: Brevard man plotted with Oath Keepers before Capitol riot, FBI says | Who are the Oath Keepers?
Man charged in Capitol riot plot to be released from jail
An illuminated traffic barrier is seen on the Capitol grounds before sunrise in Washington, Monday, March 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)A man charged with conspiring with members of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group in the attack on the U.S. Capitol will be released from jail while he awaits trial, a judge ruled Friday after challenging the strength of the evidence against him. It's the biggest conspiracy case the U.S. has brought so far in the Capitol attack, as investigators narrow in on organized extremist groups like the Oath Keepers and another far-right group, the Proud Boys. Authorities have acknowledged there’s no evidence Caldwell was a dues-paying member of the Oath Keepers but have described him as a supporter who appeared to play a “leadership role” within the group. Caldwell's lawyer, David Fischer, said prosecutors have provided no evidence that the riot was anything but spontaneous.
Who are the Oath Keepers? A look at militia group whose members face charges after Capitol Attack
The group includes people linked to the Oath Keepers militia group who have been indicted on charges that they planned and coordinated with one another in the attack. Investigators said Kenneth Harrelson is a member of the Oath Keepers and attended dozens of planning calls with other members before they stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. The Oath Keepers were among several militia and extremist groups, such as the Proud Boys, that took part in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. The SPLC also said Rhodes worked on Ron Paul’s 2008 presidential campaign prior to starting the Oath Keepers. The Oath Keepers claim tens of thousands of members on its rolls but, according to the ADL, that is unlikely, but they may have a couple of thousand members.
Brevard man plotted with Oath Keepers before Capitol riot, FBI says
ORLANDO, Fla. – A Brevard County man attended dozens of planning calls with other members of the Oath Keepers before they stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier this year, according to a criminal complaint from the FBI. Harrelson is facing charges of conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding, destruction of government property and entering restricted grounds. AdKenneth Harrelson and other Oath Keepers seen inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (FBI)FBI agents claim they uncovered messages and recorded transmissions from Oath Keepers affiliated with Harrelson that stated, “You are executing citizen’s arrest. AdAnyone with information about someone who was involved in the riot can find details on how to report them here.
Oath Keeper charged in Capitol riot renounces militia group
The group includes people linked to the Oath Keepers militia group who have been indicted on charges that they planned and coordinated with one another in the attack. A member of the Oath Keepers militia group charged with plotting with other extremists in the attack on the U.S. Capitol disavowed the anti-government group in a court hearing Friday, telling the judge she is “appalled” by her fellow Oath Keepers and “humiliated” by her arrest. Jessica Watkins, one of nine members and associates of the far-right militia group charged with planning and coordinating with one another in the Jan. 6 siege, said she plans to cancel her Oath Keepers membership and has disbanded her local Ohio militia group. Prosecutors say Watkins said: "If he has anything negative to say about us OATHKEEPERS, I’ll let you know so we can sue harder. Prosecutors say the Oath Keepers also discussed stationing a “quick reaction force” with weapons outside D.C. to assist.
Marion County couple accused of plotting with Oath Keepers during Capitol riot denied bail
Oath Keepers seen inside the Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, according to the FBI. AdPictures and videos linked in the 43-page affidavit show all four both inside and outside the Capitol wearing camouflage, tactical vests and helmets. Kelly and Connie Meggs (Courtesy)Kelly Meggs, who authorities say is the leader of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers, wrote in a Facebook message in December 2020: “Trump said It’s gonna be wild!!!!!!! AdSeveral Floridians have been arrested in connection with the attack at the Capitol, including a Sanford firefighter and a Proud Boys organizer from Marion County. Anyone with information about someone who was involved in the riot can find details on how to report them here.
6 more linked to Oath Keepers charged in Capitol attack
People charged in the attack on the U.S. Capitol left behind a trove of videos and messages that have helped federal authorities build cases. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)COLUMBUS, Ohio – Six more people linked to the far-right Oath Keepers militia group have been indicted on charges that they planned and coordinated with one another in the attack on the U.S. Capitol, authorities said Friday. The case against those affiliated with the Oath Keepers is the largest conspiracy case brought by the U.S. Justice Department so far in the Jan. 6 insurrection. Authorities say the defendants prepared for weeks ahead of the attack, attended training sessions and recruited others. Later that month, authorities say Young reached out to a company that does firearms and combat training about a rifle class for four people, according to the indictment.
Feds: Man charged in riot suggested bringing weapons by boat
AdCaldwell's lawyer is urging the judge to release him, saying he denies being a member of the Oath Keepers or ever going into the Capitol building. The Virginia man is among more than 200 people charged with federal crimes so far in the deadly siege. He was charged with conspiracy last month alongside two other accused members of the Oath Keepers, who are accused of planning in advance to carry out violence. Authorities say Caldwell began plotting to undo President Joe Biden's victory as early as the days after the election. Prosecutors said the Oath Keepers communicated during the attack about the location of lawmakers.
Man charged in US Capitol riot worked for FBI, lawyer says
A month ago, the U.S. Capitol was besieged by Trump supporters angry about the former president's loss. The FBI did not immediately comment Monday evening and Caldwell's lawyer didn’t immediately answer questions about his client's work. Caldwell is one of three people authorities have described as Oath Keepers who were charged last month with conspiracy and accused of plotting the attack on the Capitol in advance. You are the man COMMANDER.”AdAuthorities say the Oath Keepers communicated during the attack about where lawmakers were. At one point during the siege, Caldwell received a message that said “all members are in the tunnels under the capital,” according to court documents.