Today, Explained So I elected an Oath Keeper
Nov 10, 2021
Isaac Arnsdorf, a ProPublica reporter specializing in the Oath Keepers and their role in the January 6th insurrection, shares fascinating insights into this far-right group. He discusses their evolution from a tactical militia to a significant political force, as well as their troubling presence in law enforcement and government. The conversation addresses their radicalization, the racial dynamics within the organization, and the implications of their growing ties to mainstream political leaders, raising critical questions about accountability in today's politics.
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Oath Keepers on January 6th
- A haunting image from January 6th showed Oath Keepers ascending the Capitol steps in military gear.
- Several members face conspiracy charges related to the Capitol attack.
Oath Keepers Origins
- The Oath Keepers, founded in 2009 by Yale Law School graduate Stuart Rhodes, started as a militia-style group.
- They aimed to recruit former military and law enforcement, emphasizing the eternal nature of their oath to the Constitution.
Radicalization Tactics
- The Oath Keepers' seemingly benign goal of upholding the Constitution attracts members.
- However, they pledge to disobey orders they deem unconstitutional, based on right-wing conspiracy theories about government tyranny.