Sentence is the longest yet for a participant in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, led by Donald Trump supporters.
Stewart Rhodes, founder of the far-right group the Oath Keepers, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.
It is the longest sentence handed down so far to any participant in the January 6 riot, which sought to overturn former President Donald Trump’s loss in the 2020 election.
But the sentence nevertheless falls short of the 25 years the prosecution sought in the case, contending that Rhodes remains a danger to US democracy.
US District Judge Amit Mehta acknowledged that argument as he announced his decision, saying that Rhodes, 58, does indeed represent an “ongoing threat”.
“For decades, Mr Rhodes, it is clear you have wanted the democracy of this country to devolve into violence,” Mehta said in handing down the sentence.
“The moment you are released, whenever that may be, you will be ready to take up arms against your government.”
Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes sentenced to 18 years | Courts News | Al Jazeera