Prosecutors seek 25-year prison sentence for Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes
CBSDec 25, 2022
The Facts
Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes was sentenced on Thursday to 18 years in prison for plotting to forcefully prevent the peaceful transfer of presidential power, the longest term so far imposed over the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
The former US Army paratrooper and Yale-educated lawyer, who founded the right-wing group in 2009, stayed outside the Capitol and took phone calls and messages while other Oath Keepers entered the building.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
This tough sentence will hopefully have a chilling effect on far-right extremist groups, making it harder for them to recruit and raise money as the 2024 presidential election approaches. As the Justice Dept. has been successfully bringing those liable for the Capitol riot to justice, it's time to hold Donald Trump, who is the root of this problem, accountable as well.
Pro-Trump narrative
Like Trump, Rhodes has been persecuted as part of a political witch hunt. No Oath Keepers in Jan. 6 were armed or took part in any fighting, yet its leader was convicted by an obviously biased D.C. jury. Those who participated in the Jan. 6 riots are overcharged political pawns. This prosecution will surely backfire, however, serving only to boost distrust in government.