Oath Keepers founder banned from DC, US Capitol unless judge signs off: NPR

A federal judge on Friday barred Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right extremist group Guardians who was convicted of seditious conspiracy in connection with the Capitol riot, from entering Washington, D.C. or the Capitol American without the authorization of the Court.

Rhodes was convicted by a federal jury in 2022 of seditious conspiracy in connection with the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of President Trump’s supporters. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta sentenced Rhodes to 18 years in prison, calling him a threat to the country and democracy.

But on Monday, President Trump delivered a sentencing to Rhodes on time, as one of 14 commutations and some 1,500 pardons for those who participated in the Jan. 6 attack. After his release from prison, Rhodes was spotted at the U.S. Capitol.

On Friday, Judge Mehta issued an order barring Rhodes and seven other Oath Keepers convicted in connection with the Capitol riot from entering the U.S. Capitol building or grounds without first obtaining permission authorization of the court.

In response, the Justice Department filed a motion with the court opposing the judge’s order. The government filing, signed by Ed Martin Jr., Trump’s new acting U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., argues that Rhodes and the other defendants are no longer subject to the terms of supervised release and probation due to the commutation of president, therefore therefore the court must vacate its order.

Rhodes’ attorney declined to comment on the court order.