In the days after Jessica Watkins stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6 with fellow Oath Keepers, according to prosecutors, the Army veteran’s allegiance to the far-right paramilitary group only “calcified.”
The 38-year-old, accused of preparing and training for at least two months to “fight hand-to-hand” to take over the Capitol, was concerned about the optics of the Oath Keepers after the uprising and spoke of suing any “Class Action Style” that was pronounced against the group.
“If you have anything negative to say about us OATHKEEPERS, I’ll let you know so we can sue harder. Collective action style. Oath keepers are shit,” Watkins sent a text message after a report of the media “portrayed his conduct and that of his fellow jurors … in a negative light,” according to a report from prosecutors filed Tuesday in support of his arrest.
“They rescued police, we saved lives and we did everything right. After all, it’s better that this guy doesn’t try us. A lawsuit could even put cash in the coffers OK. He doesn’t know who he’s playing with. I will not tolerate a defamation of the character, neither of mine nor of the Patriots with whom we served in DC. Holah ?! ” added.
Prosecutors believe Watkin’s continued allegiance to jurors and the “federal crime of terrorism” she has been charged with justifies her request to keep her detained pending trial.
During his arrest hearing on Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta was skeptical about the government’s allegations that Watkins was at risk of fleeing and committed a “crime of violence.” He asked prosecutors for more information on whether the destruction of government property charges qualifies as “a federal crime of terrorism.” The request delayed his decision on his arrest until Friday.
“These are issues that will not only affect Ms. Watkins, but potentially dozens and dozens of others who are going down the pipeline,” Mehta said.
Watkins is one of several members of the right-wing group that has been charged with several crimes, including a conspiracy to disrupt Congress on Jan. 6 when they met to certify the election victory of President-elect Joe Biden. He allegedly trained recruits to get them to be “in fighting form” for another inauguration attack and examined people interested in the Jan. 6 riot to “make sure the right people” were affiliated with the Oath. Keepers.
Federal authorities have described the Oath Keepers as “a large but unorganized collection of [the] militias who believe that the federal government has been co-opted by a conspiratorial shadow that seeks to strip their rights of American citizens ”and that strongly recruits ex-military, law enforcement and first aid.
The note comes after Watkins’ lawyers argued that her client should be released, as she has been “treated harshly” and has a “particular risk detained” because she is transgender. That presentation also insists it is not a threat to the public because it only assaulted the Capitol because it believed “the president of the United States was calling it.”
His lawyers also presented a letter from one of Oath Keeper’s friends that downplayed his actions as those of an “idiot” whose “feelings went beyond his brain.” The letter, written by a longtime friend identified as Zach H., insists that Watkins is not a terrorist, but someone who was unfortunately “brainwashed by those deeply rooted in conspiracy beliefs.”
“I don’t think it’s totally inexplicable for his actions, nor do I think he should or would want to be, but I urge the court from my humble place as an ordinary citizen to show the piety I know Americans have. they are capable of, ”says the letter, presented Monday night.
Prosecutors point out that Watkins’ defense ignores the numerous well-chronicled actions she, along with other members and associates of Oath Keeper, took in an effort to forcibly stop the 2020 Electoral College vote certification.
“He further notes that the arrest depends on” whether he is likely to commit other crimes if he is released pending trial, “but he still believes the crimes he committed, the evidence of which is” recognized, are strong. ” , were lawful and consistent with their oath to support the Constitution, “the note reads.
As thousands of MAGA supporters stormed the Capitol, Watkins and his militia were clearly visible in photos and videos as they marched forcefully along a “line organized by the stairs on the east side of the Capitol, wearing combat helmets, bulletproof vests, gloves. with the protection of knuckles and radios, “prosecutors said.
“I before forcing the entrance to the Capitol building. #stopthesteal #stormthecapitol #oathkeepers #ohiomilitia “, Watkins headlined a photo she posted of herself in Parler, according to the note.
While Watkins insists he did not “intend to destroy property and even told others not to engage in such conduct,” he did not provide any explanation for videos showing her with riot police violating the Capitol or planning of months he promised to have. armed militias waiting nearby.
Prosecutors consider Watkins to be a flight risk because he has suggested she is willing to go “underground if this time [Biden election] it works. “
“There are no conditions or combinations of conditions that reasonably ensure the safety of the community or the community [Watkin’s] submission to the authority of this court in case it perceives the actions of our leaders or of this court as contradictory to its understanding of its duties under the Constitution, “the note concludes.” Release may be the norm, but the [Watkin’s] the actions and beliefs that inspired it exclusively threaten our democratic way of life. “