On Sunday’s episode of The Excerpt podcast, USA TODAY National Correspondent and Extremism Reporter Will Carless discusses the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, carried out by supporters of Donald Trump. The focus is on Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the far-right anti-government militia called the Oath Keepers, and his role in the attack. Carless shares interviews with Stewart Rhodes’s family members, including his ex-wife Tasha Adams and son Dakota Adams. They reveal their fears that if Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential election, Stewart Rhodes could be pardoned and released, causing potential harm to them.
Tasha Adams describes her marriage to Stewart Rhodes, pointing out his abusive behavior and manipulative tactics over the years. She witnessed the transformation of the Oath Keepers from a noble idea to an extremist organization with violent intentions. Stewart Rhodes was charged with seditious conspiracy related to the Capitol attack and is currently serving time in prison.
Dakota Adams expresses concerns about his father’s mental state and potential danger if he were to be released from prison. The family is deeply afraid of Stewart Rhodes seeking revenge and coming after them. They have spoken out about their fears to prevent any potential harm.
The episode also delves into the possibility of former President Trump pardoning those convicted in connection to the Capitol attack. Trump has hinted at potential pardons for nonviolent offenders like Stewart Rhodes. Despite the denials from Stewart Rhodes’s attorneys, the family remains fearful of the consequences if he is ever released.
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