Title: Oath Keepers Leader Receives Maximum Sentence for Sedition in Jan. 6 Capitol Attack Stewart Rhodes, the leader of the extremist group Oath Keepers, has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack. This sentence is the longest yet for any defendant in the investigation and the first to be given for sedition. Rhodes, along with other members of the Oath Keepers, had planned and coordinated their actions leading up to the insurrection at the Capitol, which resulted in the deaths of several people and widespread damage to the building. Their goal was to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. Despite his attempts to distance himself from the violence that ensued, evidence presented at trial showed that Rhodes had encouraged and incited his followers to take action, even referencing the possibility of "killing their way out" if necessary. The judge in this case emphasized the seriousness of sedition and the need for accountability in the wake of an attack on the pillars of democracy. This sentence sends a clear message that extremist groups and their leaders will not be tolerated in threatening the foundations of our government. While some may argue that Rhodes and his cohort were exercising their right to free speech and protest, their actions went far beyond peaceful demonstration. They actively sought to undermine the rule of law and the peaceful transfer of power that is fundamental to our democracy. This sentence should serve as a warning to all those who would seek to engage in similar acts of sedition. The American people will not tolerate attacks on our democracy, and those who engage in such behavior will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Justice has been served in this case, and it should be a reminder that no one is above the law. The sentence for Stewart Rhodes was the longest so far in the federal investigation of the Capitol attack and the first issued to a defendant convicted of sedition.
![]()
