Judge Bars Stewart Rhodes from D.C. After Sentence Commutation

A federal judge, Amit P. Mehta, has imposed restrictions barring Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes and other members from entering Washington, D.C., or the U.S. Capitol without court approval, following the commutation of Rhodes' 18-year sentence by former President Donald Trump. This order was issued after Rhodes made an unannounced visit to the Capitol, where he defended his actions during the January 6, 2021, attack. Legal experts have raised constitutional concerns regarding the order, noting that while Rhodes has had his sentence commuted, he has not received a full pardon, leaving his conviction intact. The restrictions highlight the judiciary's serious stance on maintaining order following the Capitol riots, where violence disrupted democracy and resulted in multiple casualties. Trump's previous comments indicated openness to inviting Capitol riot participants to the White House, further complicating the public's perception of the events surrounding the January 6 attack. The court's order is effective immediately and applies to other Oath Keepers convicted of similar charges, reinforcing ongoing legal scrutiny of their actions.