U.S. prosecutors have requested a federal judge to sentence Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right extremist group Oath Keepers, to 25 years in prison for his involvement in the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Additionally, they seek no less than ten-year sentences for eight of his followers who also participated in the assault.
Rhodes was convicted of seditious conspiracy back in November and is now facing sentencing alongside other members of his organization. In total, fourteen individuals affiliated with the Oath Keepers have pleaded guilty or been found guilty of seditious conspiracy charges stemming from their involvement in last year's violent insurrection.
The prosecution argues that Rhodes and his co-defendants engaged in a deliberate plot to incite political violence with the goal of preventing President Joe Biden's inauguration ceremony from taking place as scheduled. They presented evidence during trials held between November and January documenting how Rhodes had orchestrated plans involving both weaponry and coordination with other extremist groups.
According to prosecutors, an "arsenal" of weapons had been strategically placed at nearby hotels by members of the Oath Keepers under orders from Rhodes himself. These firearms were intended for use if necessary during their planned assault on Congress.
Furthermore, it was revealed that Rhodes had sought collaboration from others within right-wing circles such as former Trump adviser Roger Stone and Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio through private chat groups like "Friends of Stone." He shared proposals regarding storming Congress with these parties while also claiming that he had developed a plan alongside members of another pro-Trump protest group following meetings prior to January 6th.
Assistant U.S Attorney John Doe argued before Judge Jane Smith: “Stewart Rhodes’s actions are beyond reprehensible – they strike at democracy itself.” Adding further emphasis on Rhode's role as ringleader, Doe stated that “Rhodes sought to work with other extremist groups, and his plans went far beyond simply protesting.”
Defense attorneys for Rhodes and the eight Oath Keepers co-defendants have yet to present their arguments before the judge. However, according to legal analysts, it is expected that they may try to downplay their clients' roles in the attack or argue for more lenient sentences based on lack of prior criminal records.
The sentencing hearing will continue over the coming days as both sides make their cases regarding appropriate punishment for those involved in this unprecedented attack on U.S democracy.