Judge Denies Oath Keepers Founders’ Request to Delay Trial

Facts

• A US District Judge on Wed. denied the request of Oath Keepers founder, Stewart Rhodes, to delay his seditious conspiracy trial, which is scheduled to begin Sept. 27, and fire his lawyers. The judge called the request "incorrect and frankly bewildering."
• The motion filed claimed Rhodes couldn't work with his current lawyers because of "a complete, or near-complete breakdown of communication" and that he needed at least three months with new representation to prepare for the trial.
• The judge told Rhodes, who has pleaded not guilty, that he could add an attorney to his team but would have to also continue to work with his original counsel.
• Rhodes and others were charged with seditious conspiracy in Jan. 2022 for their role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. They're accused of recruiting members, stocking weapons, and organizing a plan to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election.
• The US Dept. of Justice (DOJ) has secured at least seven cooperation agreements from Oath Keepers members, three of whom pleaded guilty to seditious conspiracy.

Sources: Independent, Washington Post, and CNN.

Narratives

• Pro-Trump narrative, as provided by Breitbart. This is a major test for the DOJ, as Rhodes' trial has been fast-tracked compared to those of other defendants. Rhodes' newly-desired lawyer staunchly believes in the innocence of his defendant and believes these accusations are unfair. Thoughtful due process must prevail.
• Democratic narrative, as provided by Daily Kos. These attempts by Rhodes to delay his trial are just meant to wreak havoc on the court's docket and postpone justice. Most of his motions are outright lies. The trial of this far-right, anti-government group for their seditious actions must continue without delay.