The U.S. District Court recently sentenced two members of the far-right militia group Oath Keepers who participated in the January 6th attack on Capitol Hill. In a bid to overturn former President Donald Trump's electoral loss, these supporters faced allegations of obstruction during official proceedings tied to this event - charges that led Judge Amit Mehta to sentence Kenneth Harrelson (four years) and Jessica Watkins (eight-and-a-half years) last Friday.
According to court records, Harrelson was also accused of conspiring against certifying President Joe Biden's election victory and tampering with legal documents and proceedings, while Watkins faced obstruction charges related to her participation in the riots. During the attack, she was noted as exhibiting aggressive, purposeful, and assaultive behavior compared to her cohorts.
In a heartfelt statement, Watkins acknowledged her fault and accepted the criminality of her actions. The prosecutor, Alexandra Hughes, argued that Watkins and other Oath Keepers were not isolated cases; thus necessitating a substantial sentence. These proceedings occurred a day after Stewart Rhodes, founder of the group, was slapped with an 18-year jail sentence for seditious conspiracy - the most severe penalty handed to date in relation to January 6's violence.
Established in 2009, membership of the Oath Keepers comprises current or retired military personnel alongside law enforcement officers and first responders who have often turned up arms at various gatherings including political events like protests against police brutality in Minneapolis (2020). Other members facing seditious conspiracy charges in separate trials are scheduled for sentencing soon.
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According to court records, Harrelson was also accused of conspiring against certifying President Joe Biden's election victory and tampering with legal documents and proceedings, while Watkins faced obstruction charges related to her participation in the riots. During the attack, she was noted as exhibiting aggressive, purposeful, and assaultive behavior compared to her cohorts.
In a heartfelt statement, Watkins acknowledged her fault and accepted the criminality of her actions. The prosecutor, Alexandra Hughes, argued that Watkins and other Oath Keepers were not isolated cases; thus necessitating a substantial sentence. These proceedings occurred a day after Stewart Rhodes, founder of the group, was slapped with an 18-year jail sentence for seditious conspiracy - the most severe penalty handed to date in relation to January 6's violence.
Established in 2009, membership of the Oath Keepers comprises current or retired military personnel alongside law enforcement officers and first responders who have often turned up arms at various gatherings including political events like protests against police brutality in Minneapolis (2020). Other members facing seditious conspiracy charges in separate trials are scheduled for sentencing soon.
How many more individuals are expected to be imprisoned? As of now, we can't really predict a number. For more breaking news, keep visiting us regularly. We're always here to keep you updated!