Photograph Illustration by Kelly Caminero / Photograph by Aaron C. Davis / Getty
Stewart Rhodes, the founding father of the Oath Keepers, took the stand in his personal protection on Friday in probably the most important trial but over the Jan. 6 revolt. Suffice it to say he didn't again down from spreading deranged conspiracies in regards to the 2020 election that helped gasoline lethal violence—although he appeared to stumble alongside the way in which.
“I’m good to go,” Rhodes mentioned in D.C. federal court docket, earlier than launching into his private historical past and his resolution to begin the far-right militia group.
His resolution to testify comes after prosecutors spent weeks arguing that Rhodes and his fellow Oath Keepers spent months planning “an armed rebel to shatter a bedrock of American democracy” in a useless try and cease the certification of President Joe Biden’s win over Donald Trump within the 2020 election.
Rhodes and 4 different members have pleaded not responsible to seditious conspiracy, a uncommon, Civil Battle-era cost that carries a most sentence of 20 years in jail. On Friday, Rhodes confirmed that he was sad with the election and believed that it was “unconstitutional.”
“That made it invalid,” he mentioned. “And you actually can’t have a winner of an unconstitutional election.”
“That might imply that Donald Trump, too, was not the winner,” Rhodes added.
Prosecutors allege that the plan to disrupt democracy started simply days after Biden was declared the victor of the 2020 presidential election. For months, Oath Keepers allegedly skilled, mentioned the necessity to go to struggle, and even stockpiled weapons that might be held exterior of the D.C. space on Jan. 6 in case Trump invoked the Revolt Act.
“Their purpose was to cease by no matter means vital the lawful switch of presidential energy, together with by taking over arms in opposition to the USA authorities,” Assistant U.S. Legal professional Jeffrey Nestler mentioned throughout opening statements. “They didn't go to the Capitol to defend or assist; they went to assault.”
For weeks, prosecutors have been exhibiting jurors textual content messages, audio recordings, and surveillance footage to exhibit the lengths the Oath Keepers allegedly went to execute their plan. On Wednesday, jurors had been performed a recording of Rhodes 4 days after the revolt—the place he's heard admitting his solely remorse was not bringing rifles to the Capitol.
“We may have fastened it proper then and there. I’d cling fuckin’ Pelosi from the lamppost,” Rhodes mentioned.
Protection attorneys for the 5 people insist that the group dedicated no crime on the Capitol—and that Rhodes didn't even enter the constructing. Standing trial with Rhodes is Kelly Meggs, a pacesetter of the Florida Oath Keepers chapter; Thomas Caldwell, a retired Navy intelligence officer; member Kenneth Harrelson; and Jessica Watkins, who led an Ohio militia group.
Federal authorities have described the Oath Keepers group as “a big however loosely organized assortment of [the] militia who consider that the federal authorities has been co-opted by a shadowy conspiracy that's attempting to strip Americans of their rights” and who closely recruit former army, legislation enforcement, and first responders.
Rhodes on Friday gave jurors a number of the explanation why he based the Oath Keepers—starting from his anger over the George W. Bush period to serving to veterans be taught they don't have to blindly obey the Structure.
“I wished to verify they knew the place the strains had been and their responsibility to say no,” he mentioned.
Describing the meant operate of the group, Rhodes denied characterizations that the Oath Keepers are extremist—insisting that his members merely wish to assist demonstrations.
Then he appeared to slide up.
“I assist the best to riot,” Rhodes mentioned, earlier than adjusting his phrasing: “I assist the best to protest.”