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| Photo Credit: AP. |
The leader of far-right extremist group Oath Keepers could not continue with his trial on Monday in a case of seditious conspiracy relating to the storming of the U.S. Capitol by his followers on January 6, 2021, after he tested positive for COVID-19.
Prosecutors
accuse Mr. Steward Rhodes and four others of a grand scheme to prevent the
orderly transfer of power to President Joe Biden who won the 2020 elections.
The judge
said Rhodes would probably resume his trial next Monday. The defense lawyers
are expected to testify that Rhodes actions were in anticipation of orders from
President Donald Trump, which never came.
“Their goal
was to stop, by whatever means necessary, the lawful transfer of presidential
power, including by taking up arms against the United States government,” the
prosecutor said during his opening statement, according to The Associated Press.
“They concocted a plan for armed rebellion to shatter a bedrock of American
democracy.”
Defense
lawyers maintain that the government does not possess evidence of any plan by
Oath Keepers to attack the U.S. Capitol.
“Stewart
Rhodes meant no harm to the Capitol that day. Stewart Rhodes did not have any
violent intent that day,” Rhodes’ attorney, Phillip Linder, said, during
previous trial, according to The Associated Press. “The story the government is
trying to tell you today is completely wrong.”
Prosecutors
also said Rhodes and members of his extremist group did plan an “armed
rebellion” to help former President Donald Trump remain in power. They noted that
they had what it called “quick reaction force” teams stationed at a Virginia hotel
to get weapons into the city quickly if they it was necessary as part of their
strategy to prevent Biden from being sworn in as president, The Associated
Press reported.
Testimony
began on October 3 in a trial that along with four others Kelly Meggs, leader
of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers; Kenneth Harrelson, a Florida Oath
Keeper; Thomas Caldwell, a retired U.S. Navy Intelligence officer from
Virginia; and Jessica Watkins, who led an Ohio militia group, according to The
Associated Press.
Rhodes and
his associates are facing a civil war era seditious conspiracy charge that
carries up to 20 years in prison upon conviction.