The Justice Department accused Thomas Caldwell, a 65-year-old man from Virginia, of a leadership role in the right-wing paramilitary group, on four counts, including conspiracy to commit a crime, obstructing an official process and “Violent entry or disorderly conduct” . “
Caldwell interacted in the rebellion alongside a group of eight to 10 people wearing the uniform with the coat of arms of Oath Keeper, who “would move in an organized and trained manner and force his way to the front of the crowd gathered around a Capitol door. of the US, “according to a law enforcement statement.
Prosecutors also describe their interactions with two other accused right-wing militants, Jessica Watkins and Donovan Crowl, who also sought to prevent Congress from certifying the presidential election and were part of the siege.
“We are concerned that the arrests for the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol include some US reservists and military veterans. Some right-wing extremist groups, especially the anti-government Oath Keepers, have a long history of recruiting current and former members. military and law enforcement, “Oren Segal, vice president of the Anti-Defamation League Extremism Center, told CNN.
“The Oath Keepers are part of the resurgent militia movement, which believes that the federal government was co-opted by a dark conspiracy that tries to deprive American citizens of their rights. Although the Oath Keepers accept anyone as a member, what sets them apart from other groups Anti-government extremists are his explicit focus on recruiting current and former military, police and first aid personnel, “he added.