The founder of the far-right Oath Keepers organization has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison after being convicted of seditious conspiracy in connection with the January 6th Capitol attack.

This sentence is the most severe imposed on any defendant related to the events of that day, NBC News reported.

During a politically charged speech in the courtroom just before his sentencing, Stewart Rhodes referred to himself as a “political prisoner.”

He clarified that when he previously mentioned “regime change” in a phone call with his supporters, he was expressing his desire for former President Donald Trump to win the presidential election in 2024.

However, the judge disagreed with Rhodes’ assertion that his imprisonment was politically motivated.

The judge emphasized that it was Rhodes’ actions that led to his criminal convictions and stated, “You, sir, present an ongoing threat and peril to this country, to the republic, and to the very fabric of this democracy.” Judge Amit Mehta concluded by delivering the sentence.

In November, Rhodes was found guilty of seditious conspiracy, along with another member of the Oath Keepers, Kelly Meggs.

Written by staff