The Oath Keepers, a far-right, anti-government militia group, is in the news again. Former Pres. Thomas Caldwell, Thomas Caldwell (right), a navy veteran and former member of the Oath Keepers organization. Caldwell had been indicted on seditious conspiracy. This indictment is his direct participation in the attempt to seize the US Capitol on January 6. The Oath Keepers today newly formed in 2009, the Oath Keepers quickly gained notoriety. The US Department of Justice has classified them as a “terrorist” organization for their conduct that destructive day.
In fact, on the January 6 attack, the Oath Keepers coordinated with other extremist groups. They mobilized a “quick reaction force” that was prepositioned outside of Washington, D.C. According to some, this team was explicitly tasked with arming the extremists as a worst case scenario. Such a decision would be contrary to the group’s professed policy of only using weapons defensively. The stated purpose of their deployment, as articulated by the Oath Keepers, was to protect against attacks from left wing agitators.
Stewart Rhodes, the founder and leader of the Oath Keepers, was indicted alongside 12 other members. The fact that their alleged actions have led to this indictment on charges of seditious conspiracy emphasizes the seriousness of their actions. Most importantly perhaps, these indictments gave an unprecedented look into the high degree of coordination and planning that went into the events of January 6. Caldwell’s major charges as he went to trial alongside other militia leaders. He was later granted a presidential pardon.
In relinquishing direct involvement with the case, the pardon raises serious questions about seeking justice and accountability. Many in the hard right considered Caldwell’s pardon as the most powerful, symbolic gesture of support with real-world effects for veterans and insurrectionists alike. Some say it defeats the purpose of holding accountable those who incited the Capitol insurrection.