Federal grand jury indicts six members of Oath Keepers in connection to US capitol attack News
© WikiMedia Commons (Tyler Merbler)
Federal grand jury indicts six members of Oath Keepers in connection to US capitol attack

A federal grand jury on Friday indicted six new members of the Oath Keepers, a right-wing extremist group, for conspiring to prevent Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.

The six members were arrested earlier this week and were included as co-defendants in a superseding indictment alleging that the individuals joined in a military-style formation, marched up the U.S. Capitol steps, breached the door, and stormed the building on January 6, 2021.

All six members were charged with conspiring to commit an offense against the United States under Title 18, section 371 of the United States Code and for violating 18 USC §1512(c)2 by obstructing, influencing, and impeding an official proceeding. Further charges included one count of “depredation” against federal government property in violation of  18 USC §1361; and unlawful entry, disorderly conduct, and violent conduct on government grounds in violation of 18 USC §1752(a).

The superseding indictment alleges that extremist group leader Kelly Meggs wrote in a Facebook message in late December,

“Trump said It’s gonna be wild!!!!!!!   It’s gonna be wild!!!!!!!  He wants us to make it WILD that’s what he’s saying.  He called us all to the Capitol and wants us to make it wild!!!  Sir Yes Sir!!!  Gentlemen we are heading to DC pack your s***!!”

The indictment further alleges that Meggs made prior statements that the group need not be armed for the attack because members would be prepared with “heavy QRF 10 Min out” at the U.S. Capitol. “QRF” is a military and law enforcement term that stands for “quick reaction force” and refers to an armed unit prepared to rapidly respond to emergency situations.

The US Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is currently handling the case along with the Counterterrorism Section of the DOJ National Security Division and the US Attorney’s Offices in Florida, North Carolina and Ohio.