The Excerpt podcast episode on Sunday focused on the events of January 6th, 2021, when supporters of Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol. The episode delves into the history of the far-right anti-government militia called the Oath Keepers, founded by Stewart Rhodes in 2009. Rhodes, a Yale-educated attorney and former Army paratrooper, was eventually convicted of seditious conspiracy in connection to the Capitol attack.
The episode features conversations with Rhodes’s family, including his ex-wife Tasha Adams and son Dakota Adams, who share their fears about Rhodes being pardoned and released, especially if Donald Trump were to win the 2024 presidential election. Tasha describes a deteriorating relationship with Rhodes, detailing instances of abusive behavior that led to their divorce. Dakota expresses concerns about his father’s mental state and the potential danger he poses to the family if released.
USA TODAY National Correspondent and Extremism Reporter Will Carless, who has covered the Oath Keepers and the trial of Stewart Rhodes, provides insights into the case and the family dynamics. There are discussions about Rhodes’s alleged involvement in planning the Capitol attack and the potential impact of a pardon by Trump.
The episode highlights the fear and trauma experienced by Rhodes’s family members and their concerns about their safety if he is released from prison. The episode sheds light on the personal struggles and complex dynamics within the Rhodes family amidst the larger political and legal implications of the case.
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