Stewart Rhodes, the founder of Oath Keepers, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in the January 6th insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Rhodes was found guilty of multiple charges, including conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding. He was accused of leading a group of Oath Keepers in a plan to use force to prevent the certification of the 2020 Presidential election results.

The sentencing of Rhodes is significant because it serves as a warning to other extremist groups that their actions will not go unpunished. The sentencing also sends a message to those who would try to undermine democracy that their actions will not be tolerated.

Jessica Watkins, a member of Oath Keepers and Army veteran, was also sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for her role in the insurrection. Watkins was found guilty of similar charges as Rhodes, including conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding.

The sentencing of Rhodes and Watkins is just the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy legal process for those involved in the January 6th insurrection. Dozens of others have been arrested and charged in connection to the attack on the Capitol.

The events of January 6th have been widely condemned by both political parties and law enforcement agencies. The attack on the Capitol was an attempt to overthrow the results of a democratic election and caused significant damage to one of the nation’s most important institutions.

As the legal process continues, it is important for the country to recognize the seriousness of the events of January 6th and to take steps to ensure that such actions never happen again. The sentencing of Rhodes and Watkins is a step in that direction.