Oath Keepers Capitol Riot Trial Judge Calls Meeting Following 'Sedition' Media Reports
A judge has summoned all lawyers involved in the case of several Oath Keepers accused of being involved in the Capitol riot in order to discuss "recent statements" about potential prosecution to the media.
Judge Amit Mehta has called a meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday for those involved in the case of the far-right Oath Keepers members Thomas Caldwell, Jessica Watkins and Donovan Crowl, according to a court docket.
While it does not specify what the meeting could be about, there have recently been media reports around the suspects, who already face charges including obstructing an official proceeding and unlawful entry of a restricted building or grounds in connection to the January 6 riots.
On Monday, The New York Times reported the Department of Justice is eyeing up charging members of the militia group with sedition for their alleged role in the insurrection, and have been mulling over the idea for weeks.
The report followed on from an interview Michael Sherwin, acting United States attorney for the District of Columbia, gave on Sunday in which he stated that there is enough evidence to charge Capitol riot suspects with sedition.
During the episode of CBS News' 60 Minutes, Scott Pelley asked Sherwin about the sedition statute, saying it "seems like a very low bar."
"I don't think it's a low bar, Scott, but I will tell you this: I personally believe the evidence is trending towards that, and probably meets those elements," Sherwin said.
"I believe the facts do support those charges And I think that, as we go forward, more facts will support that," Sherwin added.
Carmen Hernandez, Crowl's lawyer, told The Times that she has "seen no evidence to support a seditious conspiracy charge against my client" and was "surprised that the former U.S. attorney would comment so publicly on the case."
None of the 400-plus suspects charged in connection to the attack on the Capitol are facing sedition accusations.
The offense, which amounts to attempting to overthrow the government, is rarely ever brought forward in criminal cases.
There have been only about 30 treason trials in the United States since 1789, according to the Constitution Center. Those found guilty of sedition can face up to 20 years in jail.
Caldwell, Watkins and Crowl are among several Oath Keepers members to be charged in connection to the attack. The Oath Keepers are an explicitly anti-government militia group whose members are preparing for a new civil war in the country
The Department of Justice has been contacted for comment.
