Capitol Riot Trial: Oath Keepers Leader Stewart Rhodes Found Guilty of Seditious Conspiracy

Jury deliberated for three days before reaching a verdict

Stewart Rhodes, the founder and leader of the Oath Keepers, was found guilty of seditious conspiracy on Tuesday by a federal jury in Washington, D.C. The verdict came after a three-week trial in which prosecutors presented evidence that Rhodes and other members of the Oath Keepers planned and coordinated the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Rhodes faces up to 20 years in prison

Seditious conspiracy is a serious crime that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Rhodes is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28. He remains in custody pending sentencing.

Verdict is a major victory for the Justice Department

The verdict is a major victory for the Justice Department, which has been investigating the Capitol riot for more than two years. The trial was the first seditious conspiracy case to go to trial in connection with the riot. The verdict sends a strong message that the Justice Department will not tolerate attempts to overthrow the government.

What is seditious conspiracy?

Seditious conspiracy is a crime that involves two or more people conspiring to overthrow the government. The crime is defined in 18 U.S. Code § 2384, which states that it is a crime to "conspire to overthrow, put down, or to destroy by force the Government of the United States."

What evidence did the prosecution present?

The prosecution presented a wide range of evidence at trial, including text messages, emails, and social media posts that showed Rhodes and other members of the Oath Keepers planned and coordinated the attack on the Capitol. The prosecution also presented testimony from witnesses who saw Rhodes and other Oath Keepers at the Capitol on January 6.

What was the defense's argument?

The defense argued that Rhodes did not plan or coordinate the attack on the Capitol. The defense also argued that Rhodes was not present at the Capitol on January 6.

What is the significance of the verdict?

The verdict is a major victory for the Justice Department. It sends a strong message that the Justice Department will not tolerate attempts to overthrow the government. The verdict also provides closure for the victims of the Capitol riot.