Two more members affiliated with the Oath Keepers, a right-wing extremist group, were sentenced to prison for their part in the fatal January 6, 2021, assault on the US Capitol.
Supporters of Donald Trump orchestrated this violent episode to undo his electoral defeat.
A federal jury in Washington pronounced Kenneth Harrelson and Jessica Watkins guilty in November for obstructing an official proceeding during the intrusion into the Capitol. The invading crowd fought with law enforcement, smashed windows, and compelled lawmakers to find cover.
US District Judge Amit Mehta gave Kenneth Harrelson a four-year prison sentence, while Jessica Watkins was sentenced to serve eight and a half years. In addition to the obstruction, Harrelson was found guilty of conspiracy to interfere with confirming President Joe Biden’s electoral victory, along with tampering with documents and proceedings. Watkins was convicted of conspiracy and obstructing officers amidst the chaos. However, both were acquitted of seditious conspiracy charges.
Judge Mehta remarked that Harrelson displayed true regret and seemed to bear less blame than other indicted Oath Keepers. The evidence against Harrelson didn’t contain any discussions of “revolution” or the use of extremist language, unlike that of some other Oath Keepers. The judge also noted Harrelson refrained from physically attacking or menacing any police officers during the incident at the Capitol.
A video played during the trial captured Harrelson vociferously yelling “treason” as he entered the US Capitol. Prosecutors interpreted this as an intent to intimidate Congress members and others in the building.
In a heartfelt statement to the court, Harrelson confessed he had remained apolitical until January 6 and would have intervened to halt any violence against police had he been privy to it. He owned up to his responsibility and admitted the distress his actions had triggered.
Federal prosecutors demanded a 15-year sentence for Harrelson while his lawyer pleaded for a lesser punishment. As for Watkins, the prosecution suggested an 18-year sentence, countered by her lawyer’s plea for a five-year term.
These sentences were handed down just a day after Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers, was assigned an 18-year prison sentence for charges including seditious conspiracy. The Oath Keepers, launched in 2009, comprises active and retired US military personnel, police officers, and first responders. Some members participated in the Capitol breach, while others set up an armed “quick reaction force” at a suburban hotel.
Four other Oath Keepers convicted of seditious conspiracy will face their sentencing next week.
