Judge Amit Mehta Dismisses Oath Keepers Convictions Amid Tense Reactions
On Tuesday, a federal judge appointed by Barack Obama, Amit Mehta, issued a critical ruling regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Judge Mehta granted the Justice Department’s request to dismiss cases against several members of the Oath Keepers militia, including their founder Stewart Rhodes. This legal move vacated the convictions of Rhodes and his associates, who had previously been found guilty of seditious conspiracy for attempting to thwart the transfer of power after Donald Trump lost the 2020 election.
The nine defendants had already been freed from prison following Trump’s mass pardon of nearly all 1,600 individuals charged in connection to the attack. Their sentences were either pardoned or commuted. Rhodes’ attorney, James Lee Bright, expressed relief on social media, stating that the charge of seditious conspiracy was fundamentally misapplied in Rhodes’ case.
“This chapter is now over. Congrats to the remaining defendants. Seditious Conspiracy should never have been charged,” Bright wrote.
Though dismissing the cases, Judge Mehta conveyed his dissatisfaction with the resolution. He remarked, “This is the last of the prosecutions seeking to hold accountable those responsible for the events of January 6. That book is now closed. Today’s epilogue diminishes the gravity of that day and excuses criminal acts that caused a centuries-long pillar of our democracy—the peaceful transfer of presidential power—to buckle.” While lamenting the outcome, Mehta acknowledged he had to fulfill the government’s request.
Background on the Oath Keepers Case
The Oath Keepers played a significant role in the January 6 events when thousands of Trump supporters gathered at the U.S. Capitol to contest Joe Biden’s electoral victory. Prosecutors charged the Oath Keepers with organizing efforts to interrupt the peaceful transition of power. Federal charges were filed against nearly 1,600 individuals related to the riot, of which over 1,000 pleaded guilty and approximately 250 were convicted following trials.
During the disturbance, more than 130 police officers sustained injuries, with several officers later taking their lives. Additionally, Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick died following assaults suffered during the attack. The Justice Department charged the Oath Keepers with serious offenses, including seditious conspiracy, resulting in high-profile convictions in 2022 and 2023. Rhodes was sentenced to 18 years in prison before his release.
Former President Trump’s blanket clemency affected nearly all defendants, prompting the dismissal of remaining cases against the Oath Keepers by Judge Mehta.
About the Oath Keepers
Founded in 2009 by Stewart Rhodes, the Oath Keepers is a far-right anti-government militia composed mainly of military, police, and first responders. The organization insists members should disobey government orders violating constitutional principles. Despite involvement in various protests and standoffs, the group is now chiefly linked to the January 6, 2021, Capitol incident.
In a 2025 interview, Rhodes expressed his intention to rebuild the Oath Keepers. He mentioned, “They tried to take us out after January 6, but…I came out stronger after it, and so my goal is to rebuild the organization stronger than ever.”
This article contains information subject to updates as events unfold.