Newly revealed documents expose that two 2023 Utah Oath Keepers leadership meetings included former law enforcement, a current prosecutor, and a former elected official. These meetings, focusing on training and the role of armed responders, highlight the group’s ties to conservative politics and law enforcement. Despite Stewart Rhodes’s January 6th conviction (since commuted), the Utah chapter actively rebuilt, demonstrating the organization’s resilience. The involvement of individuals with law enforcement and legal backgrounds raises concerns about the group’s continued influence and potential for future activity.
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Following their release from prison, leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys, Stewart Rhodes and Enrique Tarrio, respectively, are regrouping and vowing retribution against their perceived enemies. Rhodes, whose 18-year sentence was commuted, defends his actions and calls for the prosecution of Capitol police and Justice Department lawyers. Tarrio, whose 22-year sentence was also commuted, similarly demands imprisonment for members of the January 6th committee and insists he is still a Proud Boy. Both men plan to re-engage in political activity.
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Robert “Bobby” Kinch, a former Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department homicide detective who left the force after advocating for a “race war,” now leads the Utah-based Oath Keepers USA. Evidence obtained by an infiltrator reveals Kinch’s continued involvement with the anti-government group, including firearms, survival gear, and Oath Keepers materials found in his home. This highlights the concerning presence of law enforcement officers within the Oath Keepers, a group central to the January 6th insurrection. The potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency could embolden such groups, exacerbating the threat posed by extremists within police departments.
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A wilderness survival trainer, John Williams, spent over two years undercover infiltrating prominent right-wing militias, including the Oath Keepers and American Patriots Three Percent, without informing law enforcement or his personal contacts. He amassed a significant trove of documents and recordings revealing the groups’ inner workings, including ties to law enforcement officials and plans for future actions. Williams’ actions, motivated by concerns about the rise of extremism, ultimately led to his becoming a fugitive, fearing exposure. His leaked evidence aims to destabilize the militias from within, sowing mistrust and potentially providing material for future investigations. His actions represent a unique form of counter-extremism.
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John Q. Hosedrinker