Oath Keeper militia leader coordinated with Proud Boys before Capitol riot, court hears
- This is the first time prosecutors have suggested members of the two far-right extremist groups were communicating with each other before heading to Washington
- Kelly Meggs wrote on Facebook that he ‘organised an alliance’ between the Oath Keepers, Proud Boys and Florida Three Percenters, an anti-government movement
A reputed leader in the Oath Keepers militia group discussed forming an “alliance” and coordinating plans with another extremist group, the Proud Boys, ahead of the riot at the US Capitol on January 6, according to new court papers.
The court filing – detailing messages from Kelly Meggs, described by authorities as the leader of the Florida chapter of the Oath Keepers – is the first time prosecutors have suggested that the members of the two far-right extremist groups were communicating with each other before heading to Washington.
Meggs is among 10 members and associates of the Oath Keepers charged with plotting to stop the certification of President Joe Biden’s victory. The case against those affiliated with the Oath Keepers is the largest conspiracy case brought by prosecutors so far in the attack.
Several members of the Proud Boys, who describe themselves as a politically incorrect men’s club for “Western chauvinists”, have also been charged with conspiring to obstruct Congress.
On December 19, Meggs wrote in a Facebook message that he “organised an alliance” between the Oath Keepers, Proud Boys and Florida Three Percenters, an anti-government movement.
“We have decided to work together and shut this s*** down,” Meggs wrote, according to the document prosecutors filed late Tuesday urging the judge to keep Meggs locked up while he awaits trial.
Days later, Meggs wrote that the Oath Keepers would probably be guarding someone during the day, “but at night we have orchestrated a plan” with the Proud Boys.