Trump Las Vegas Rally: Oath Keepers Founder Stewart Rhodes Appears Post-Prison Release

Trump Las Vegas Rally: Stewart Rhodes, founder of the far-right militia group Oath Keepers, made a surprising appearance at former President Donald Trump’s rally in Las Vegas on Saturday. Rhodes, who was released from prison this week after his 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy was commuted, stood among Trump supporters at the Circa Resort and Casino as the former president touted his first week in office.

Rhodes’ Conviction and Release

Rhodes was convicted in 2022 for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol attack and received one of the longest sentences among defendants. Before his release, he had been serving time at a federal prison in Cumberland, Maryland.

Judge Amit Mehta, who presided over Rhodes' case, condemned his actions, stating, "You are not a political prisoner, Mr. Rhodes. You are here for that conduct."

Impact of Jan. 6 Attack

The events of Jan. 6 left lasting trauma for law enforcement officers and congressional staffers. During victim impact statements this week, David Lazarus, a U.S. Capitol Police special agent, said, "This day changed everything," referring to the attack on then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's protection detail.