Judge Warns Against Pardoning Stewart Rhodes

Stewart Rhodes, founder of the Oath Keepers, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 Capitol riot, where he orchestrated violent attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta expressed alarm over the potential for Rhodes to receive a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, who has pledged to pardon many involved in the Capitol assault, referring to them as 'patriots'. Judge Mehta stated that the possibility of such a pardon is 'frightening' and poses a threat to democracy. Trump has suggested he would pardon rioters he deems innocent and has also mentioned high-profile figures like former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio. The judge's concerns echo sentiments from others in the judiciary regarding the implications of pardoning those who participated in the Capitol attack. As Trump prepares to take office again, fears grow about the ramifications for ongoing legal proceedings against January 6 defendants.