Stewart Rhodes is a name that has become synonymous with controversy and legal battles in recent years
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. He is the founder of the Oath Keepers, a far-right militia group established in 2009
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. The group’s members include current and former military personnel, law enforcement officers, and first responders
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. Rhodes, a former U.S. Army paratrooper and Yale Law School graduate, has been a polarizing figure due to his anti-government stance and involvement in various armed protests
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Rhodes’ notoriety skyrocketed following the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol
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. Although he did not physically enter the Capitol, he was convicted of seditious conspiracy and other charges for his role in planning and inciting the attack
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. He was accused of stockpiling firearms at a nearby hotel and plotting to use force against Congress to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election
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. In May 2023, Rhodes was sentenced to 18 years in prison, the longest penalty handed down for crimes related to the Capitol riot
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However, in a dramatic turn of events, Rhodes’ sentence was commuted to time served by President Donald Trump in January 2025
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. This decision was part of a broader wave of pardons and commutations issued by Trump, which drew significant criticism from lawmakers and the public
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. Critics argued that the pardons sent a dangerous message, potentially encouraging future acts of violence by signaling that political allies would be protected regardless of their actions
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Rhodes’ release has reignited debates about the role of militias in American society and the broader implications of political violence
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. His supporters view him as a martyr who stood up against what they perceive as a corrupt government, while his detractors see him as a threat to democracy and the rule of law
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For more information, you can watch this YouTube video about Stewart Rhodes and the Oath Keepers.
Is there anything specific you would like to know more about regarding Stewart Rhodes or the Oath Keepers?
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en.wikipedia.org
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en.wikipedia.org
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Firstpost
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www.nbcnews.com
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The Hill | MSN
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CBC.ca
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