Oath Keepers Founder Defends Actions At Capitol Riot

President Donald Trump supporter Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, convicted on charges relating to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, talks to reporters after meeting with lawmakers on Capitol H

Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers, made a surprising appearance on Capitol Hill just a day after being released from prison as part of President Donald Trump's clemency order. Rhodes, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the U.S. Capitol, met with lawmakers and defended his actions during the violent siege that disrupted the certification of the 2020 election.

During his visit, Rhodes wore a Trump 2020 hat and advocated for the release of another defendant while expressing his desire for a full pardon from the president. He denied leading the assault and distanced himself from the actions of his followers, stating that it was 'stupid' for them to enter the Capitol building.

Meanwhile, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson revived a special committee to investigate the riot, supporting Trump's decision to pardon over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the events of Jan. 6. However, judges overseeing the cases expressed disappointment over the pardons, emphasizing that the truth about the attack on the Capitol remains unchanged.

Rhodes denies leading assault, distances himself from followers' actions during Capitol riot.

Stewart Rhodes visits Capitol Hill post-pardon, advocates for release of another defendant.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson revives committee to investigate Jan. 6 riot.

Judges express disappointment over Trump's pardons, emphasize truth about Capitol attack.

Over 1,500 individuals charged in connection with Capitol riot, with many pleading guilty.

Capitol riot aftermath: 130 police officers injured, some died by suicide; Officer Sicknick passed away.

Rhodes' visit sparks reactions, highlighting ongoing impact of Jan. 6 events.

Judges stress evidence from videos, trial transcripts, and opinions as testament to Capitol riot.

Heroism of law enforcement officers defending Capitol and impact on American democracy underscored.

Assault on Capitol remains a stark reminder of democratic institutions' fragility.

Despite the mass pardons, judges highlighted the evidence preserved through videos, trial transcripts, and judicial opinions as a testament to the events of that day. They underscored the heroism of law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol and the enduring impact of the violent breach on American democracy.

Over 1,500 individuals were charged in connection with the Capitol riot, with more than 1,000 pleading guilty and approximately 250 convicted after trials. The aftermath of the assault left over 130 police officers injured, with several later dying by suicide. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick also tragically passed away after engaging with the rioters.

The visit by Stewart Rhodes to Capitol Hill sparked reactions from lawmakers and law enforcement officers, underscoring the ongoing impact of the events of Jan. 6. Despite the pardons and dismissals of cases, the memory of the assault on the Capitol continues to resonate as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions.