Judge Amit Mehta Dismisses Seditious Conspiracy Case Against Oath Keepers Founder Stewart Rhodes
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta reluctantly dismissed the seditious conspiracy case against Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group. The decision follows a request from the administration to vacate the convictions of Rhodes and several other key members who were previously sentenced for attempting to overthrow the government using force. While Judge Mehta noted that the dismissal diminishes the gravity of the January 6th Capitol riot, he acknowledged that he had no choice but to grant the request. The administration's move follows a series of sweeping pardons and commutations issued by President Trump to the rioters who stormed the Capitol. President Trump argued that the pardons were intended to end a national injustice and begin a process of national reconciliation. The dismissal marks the final chapter of the major prosecutions stemming from the January 6th events. Former prosecutors and Democrats have criticized the other judicial nominees of the administration, noting that many of the administration's picks deny the reality of the violence that occurred during the riot.