- Trump was urged by Oath Keepers leader, the Far-Right Oath Keepers to reverse his defeat in 2020.
- Stewart Rhodes stated that Trump would fail to win a second term if he fails to secure one.
- Trump was asked by him to invoke the Insurrection Act which allows troops to be deployed in civil unrest.
The trial of far-right militia Oath Keepers heard that its founder stated there would be “bloody war” if Trump didn’t reverse his election loss. Reuters reports.
In Washington DC, Rhodes presented the jury with speeches, texts, as well as social media posts that showed him declaring unrest in case Trump does not win the 2020 election.
Rhodes made a speech before the riots and stated, “If he doesn’t do it now while he’s commander in chief we are going to need to do that later, in an even more desperate, much bloodier war.”
Reuters reports also that Rhodes urged Trump not to invoke Insurrection, a 19th-century law that allows presidents mobilize troops in order to manage civil unrest.
Five counts have been filed against Rhodes in connection to the Capitol Riot, including conspiracy to obstruct a proceeding, seditious conspiration, conspiracy to obstruct a proceeding, tampering documents or proceedings and aiding and assisting.
John Minchillo/AP
Rhodes is being tried with four co-defendants. Court documents from the Department of Justice, coordinated travel from Washington DC to protest Trump’s lawful electoral loss. Later, it became part of the notorious Capitol Riots.
They stated that they intended to bring weapons to the riots.
Joshua James, Oath Keeper member and co-defendant, stated that “After this, nothing will happen, it’s War.” Civil War 2.0
Roberta Minuta, another co-defendant said during the riots in a Facebook Live that “it’s down, guys; it literally is going down right now Patriots storming Capitol Building.” Fucking war on the streets right now. Word is they got in the building – let’s go.”
