On July 19th, 2021, a former member of the Oath Keepers was sentenced to 45 months in prison for his involvement in the January 6th Capitol insurrection. Graydon Young, a 55-year-old from Florida, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and obstruction of an official proceeding.
The Oath Keepers is a far-right, anti-government group that recruits current and former military, law enforcement, and first responders. The group has been linked to several acts of violence and domestic terrorism, including the January 6th insurrection.
Young was one of 16 members of the Oath Keepers indicted for their role in the attack on the Capitol. According to court documents, Young and his co-conspirators planned and coordinated their actions in advance of January 6th, using encrypted messaging apps to communicate and discuss tactics.
On the day of the insurrection, Young and other Oath Keepers dressed in tactical gear and stormed the Capitol, pushing past police barricades and breaking windows to gain entry. Young was captured on video inside the Capitol, wearing a helmet and carrying a walkie-talkie.
During his sentencing hearing, Young expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to his family and the American people. However, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta noted that Young’s involvement in the insurrection was not a “spur-of-the-moment decision,” but rather a premeditated act that threatened the foundations of democracy.
The sentencing of Graydon Young is just one of many legal consequences facing those involved in the January 6th insurrection. More than 500 people have been arrested and charged in connection with the attack on the Capitol, including members of far-right groups like the Proud Boys and the Three Percenters.
The events of January 6th were a dark moment in American history, and the sentencing of Graydon Young serves as a reminder that those who seek to undermine our democracy will be held accountable for their actions. As we move forward, it is important to continue to hold those responsible for the insurrection accountable and work towards healing and unity as a nation.
