Judge Amit Mehta Dismisses Seditious Conspiracy Case Against Oath Keepers Founder Stewart Rhodes
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta dismissed the seditious conspiracy case against Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right Oath Keepers militia, following a request from the administration. The ruling vacates the convictions of Rhodes and several other key members who were previously found guilty of attempting to overthrow the government using force during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. While the administration moved to wipe away the convictions, Judge Mehta expressed a reluctant stance, noting that the dismissal diminishes the gravity of the day and excuses criminal acts that caused the peaceful transfer of power to buckle. Rhodes, who had already been released from prison following a commutation of his 18-year sentence by President Trump, had previously described himself as a "political prisoner." The move marks a final chapter in the legal proceedings regarding the rioters who stormed the Capitol. President Trump has championed the rioters and argued that the pardons were intended to initiate a process of national reconciliation.