Concerning the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, two Army veterans, known members of the Oath Keepers, were given prison sentences this Friday. This sentencing follows the 18-year prison term handed to the founder of the extremist right-wing group, the most extensive punishment provided in the numerous Capitol riot cases so far.
Jessica Watkins from Woodstock, Ohio, and Kenneth Harrelson from Titusville, Florida, were the two sentenced by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta. Watkins received an eight-and-a-half-year term, while Harrelson will serve four years.
Although they were cleared of the seditious conspiracy charge, which led to the Oath Keepers founder, Stewart Rhodes, being convicted, Watkins and Harrelson were found guilty of several other costs connected to the Jan. 6 incident, including the obstruction of Congress’ certification of President Joe Biden’s win.
Charges against the Oath Keepers and another radical group, the Proud Boys, are some of the most severe cases resulting from the Justice Department’s comprehensive investigation of the riot. Rhodes’ actions and those of the other Oath Keepers were deemed potential “terrorism” by Judge Mehta, aligning with the Justice Department’s viewpoint, thereby amplifying the recommended sentencing under federal guidelines.
However, Judge Mehta assigned less punitive sentences for Watkins and Harrelson compared to what the prosecutors sought. The Justice Department initially asked for an 18-year sentence for Watkins and a 15-year term for Harrelson.
The two veterans were part of the group of Oath Keepers who marched in a tactical formation toward the Capitol while an overwhelming crowd of Trump supporters confronted the police. Harrelson was designated as the group’s “ground team lead” during the events of Jan. 6, and Watkins, who created an independent militia group in Ohio, encouraged others to accompany the Oath Keepers in Washington that day.
Watkins, though not a primary leader like Rhodes, played a more prominent role than a regular participant, as noted by Judge Mehta. Due to her recruitment efforts, three other people involved in the riots were there. On her part, Watkins apologized for her actions before her sentence was delivered, acknowledging that her involvement may have inspired others.
Harrelson, who said he was in Washington for a “security job” offered by another Oath Keeper, expressed remorse for his actions and the subsequent impact on his family. However, Judge Mehta didn’t align with the government’s depiction of Harrelson as a “mid-level organizer” for the Oath Keepers.
Several other Oath Keepers are expected to face sentencing in the coming weeks following the conclusion of two separate trials. Meanwhile, the sentencing of the Oath Keepers this week could provide a precedent for an ongoing different Jan. 6 case against the leaders of the Proud Boys. This includes former Proud Boys national chairman Enrique Tarrio and three other group leaders recently convicted of seditious conspiracy.
The repercussions of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots continue to unfold as additional members of extremist groups face sentencing. This landmark event underscores the severity of the crimes committed that day and sends a strong message to those contemplating similar actions. The recent rulings will likely influence ongoing and future cases as the U.S. judicial system seeks justice and accountability for those involved.
