Leaders Of The Oath Keepers Might Face Sedition Charges Over Capitol Riot

Members of the Oath Keepers might soon face sedition charges from the Department of Justice for their role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. Law enforcement officials have reportedly been considering filing sedition charges against the militia group members for the past few weeks.

This news comes after the indictment of Oath Keepers members Thomas Caldwell, Jessica Watkins and Donovan Crowl. Watkins has been described as a key figure in the Capitol riots, and prosecutors have stated that she was waiting for “activation” from former President Donald Trump.

Justice Department officials have been examining whether or not a sedition charge could be pursued for each of these three charged individuals. However, prosecutors have not provided a formal prosecution memo or draft of an indictment yet.

Former U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Michael Sherwin, told CBS’ 60 Minutes earlier this week that evidence is “trending” toward sedition charges and “probably meets those elements.”

Crowl’s defense lawyer Carmen Hernandez responded to Sherwin’s comment, saying she has “seen no evidence to support a seditious conspiracy charge against my client.” She also claimed that she was “surprised that the former U.S. attorney would comment so publicly on the case.”

Caldwell’s attorney David Fischer told the Times that his client “adamantly denies that he broke any laws.”

Out of the 400 defendants accused of participating in the insurrection, only around 24 individuals face conspiracy charges. However, the Justice Department announced charges against six other Oath Keepers members in February.

Article by Elizabeth Letsou