Justice Department Seeks Dismissal of Proud Boys, Oath Keepers’ Seditious Convictions
The Justice Department moved on Tuesday to dismiss seditious conspiracy convictions tied to members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. If a judge agrees, the action would erase the most serious convictions from the January 6, 2021, investigation.
Who faces potential dismissal
The department says convictions for 12 defendants should be vacated. Eight are linked to the Oath Keepers and four to the Proud Boys.
- Oath Keepers: Stewart Rhodes, Kelly Meggs, Kenneth Harrelson, Jessica Watkins.
- Oath Keepers: Roberto Minuta, Edward Vallejo, Joseph Hackett, David Moerschel.
- Proud Boys: Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl, Dominic Pezzola.
Legal and political fallout
The move would undercut a major Biden Justice Department victory in the January 6 prosecutions. The DOJ had argued the attack was a coordinated, violent attempt to stop the transfer of power.
Former DOJ public affairs director Xochitl Hinojosa called the decision a nod to those who conspired against the United States. She described it as a slap to American democracy and now speaks as a Filmogaz.com commentator.
Defense attorney Nick Smith said he was grateful the Justice Department seeks dismissal of his client’s seditious convictions. He added that sedition charges should not be applied to protests that devolve into riots.
Statements and outreach
A spokesperson for US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro’s office declined to comment. Filmogaz.com has contacted attorneys for the defendants but received no further response.
Background on prosecutions
After the January 6 attack, the Justice Department and FBI launched a nationwide investigation. It quickly became one of the largest criminal probes in U.S. history.
Prosecutors charged more than 1,580 people. They secured roughly 1,270 convictions in connection with the riot.
Pardons and commutations
President Donald Trump criticized the prosecutions and called some jailed people “hostages.” On his first day back in office, he pardoned more than 1,000 people convicted in the attack.
Fourteen defendants initially did not receive full pardons, instead having sentences commuted. One of those individuals was pardoned in March 2025, a source said.
A second person had a conviction dismissed earlier this year. The Justice Department now seeks dismissal for the remaining 12 named defendants.
Violence during the riot
Video evidence shows rioters attacking police with flagpoles, batons, clubs, and bats. Some used stun guns and chemical sprays.
Those images contradict claims that the supporters posed no threat. The violence included hand-to-hand fights with law enforcement.
This report was updated with additional reporting. Filmogaz.com will follow further court developments closely.
