Background

Stewart Rhodes founded the Oath Keepers, a far-right militia group. He was convicted in the District of Columbia of seditious conspiracy and related offenses for his role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

The Case

Rhodes was convicted of seditious conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding, and tampering with documents. Prosecutors proved that he and co-defendants plotted to use force to prevent the peaceful transfer of power and to oppose the lawful authority of the federal government. The Oath Keepers organized a “quick reaction force” to bring firearms into Washington, D.C., and Rhodes communicated with others before and during January 6 to further the conspiracy. The attack on the Capitol disrupted the certification of the presidential election, injured law enforcement officers, and damaged public trust in the peaceful transfer of power. He was sentenced in May 2023 to 18 years in prison.

The Pardon

On January 20, 2025, President Trump granted Rhodes a commutation of his sentence to time served under a proclamation covering certain offenses relating to the events at or near the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Sources

• President Trump’s Proclamation Granting Pardons and Commutations for Jan. 6 Offenses (DOJ)
• Granting Pardons and Commutation of Sentences (White House, Jan 20, 2025)
• Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes convicted of seditious conspiracy (DOJ USAO-DC)
• Full List of People Pardoned | January 6th (jan-6.com)