Newly uncovered documents show Utah police and officials attended meetings of the far-right Oath Keepers militia, raising concerns about their influence.
Salt Lake City: So, it turns out some Utah police and local officials have been hanging out with the Oath Keepers, a far-right militia group. Leaked documents show they attended meetings where they discussed some pretty intense stuff, like training for armed responses. It’s a bit alarming, right?
The meetings happened earlier this year, and the minutes reveal that former cops and even a current prosecutor were involved. You’d think the fallout from the January 6 insurrection would have scared them off, but nope! They seem to be doubling down and trying to rebuild their ranks.
Interestingly, Stewart Rhodes, the group’s leader, had his sentence commuted by Trump, which has experts wondering how this will affect the group’s future. Some think it might help them bounce back, while others are skeptical.
One of the attendees, Len Gleim, was a decorated police officer in California before retiring. He’s been pretty active in the Oath Keepers, sharing stories from his police days. Then there’s Mark Arrington, a lawyer who’s also been involved with the group. It’s wild to see how these connections run deep.
It’s not just a few random folks either; these meetings had a solid turnout. The documents show that the group is well-organized, with ties to a national board. It’s a bit of a tangled web, and it raises questions about how intertwined law enforcement and extremist groups really are.
Experts are keeping a close eye on this situation. They’re worried that even if the Oath Keepers struggle to regain their former glory, other extremist groups could rise in their place. It’s a reminder that we need to stay vigilant about these kinds of movements.
