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Text message trove shows Oath Keepers discussing security details for Trump associates

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However the group’s conversations reveal a simple relationship amongst a number of of the teams and entities now underneath scrutiny by federal prosecutors and the Jan. 6 choose committee. In a single change, Meggs — recognized by his deal with “Gator 1” — signifies he tried to name Enrique Tarrio, the chief of the Proud Boys, after listening to stories he had been arrested on Jan. 4, 2021.

“I simply referred to as him no reply,” Meggs instructed fellow Oath Keepers. “However he’ll [call if] he’s out.”

The messages had been posted Monday by Ed Vallejo, one in every of 11 Oath Keepers dealing with seditious conspiracy prices for his function within the alleged plot. Vallejo was stationed at a Consolation Inn in Arlington, Va., the place prosecutors say he oversaw the group’s cache of weapons and was ready to drive it to the Capitol if the preventing grew extra intense. Vallejo is in search of launch from pretrial detention.

Proof that Meggs had a direct line to Tarrio — whose telephone was confiscated by regulation enforcement and has now been accessed by federal prosecutors — provides new heft to the proof of coordination among the many teams. Prosecutors just lately highlighted their curiosity in a Jan. 5 assembly between Rhodes and Tarrio in a parking storage in Washington, D.C., shortly after Tarrio was launched following his Jan. 4 arrest.

Prosecutors had beforehand disclosed messages Meggs despatched describing efforts to forge an “alliance” between Oath Keepers, Proud Boys and different teams just like the Three Percenters. Meggs is amongst a handful of Oath Keeper leaders incarcerated whereas awaiting trial.

Within the newly launched cache of messages, Oath Keepers focus on the opportunity of becoming a member of Flynn’s safety element. Rhodes famous that he had beforehand labored with First Modification Praetorian, a bunch linked to Flynn, to guard Flynn, in addition to with a bunch assigned to guard pro-Trump broadcaster Alex Jones, who has described counting on a bunch of retired law enforcement officials for his safety on Jan. 6.

“We may find yourself aiding the PSD for Alex Jones once more. Which was an excellent feather in our cap,” Rhodes mentioned. “We labored fantastically will with each Alex Jones safety group (who’re superior guys) and with Praetorian Guard (additionally superior veterans — led by SF and SEAL veterans). They LOVE working with us due to our legit ‘quiet skilled’ demeanor and skillsets.”

Jones mentioned in January that he thought-about the Oath Keepers to be “LARPing” and “taking part in soldier within the yard.” LARPing is an acronym that stands for Dwell Motion Position Enjoying.

Requested concerning the new messages, Jones’ legal professional Norm Pattis mentioned Jones was prepared to talk to federal prosecutors concerning the occasions of Jan. 6.

“Mr. Jones engaged in no felony conduct. Interval,” Pattis mentioned. “He’s expressed a willingness to debate this with federal prosecutors. We await their response.”

Rhodes mentioned Alexander had requested a “two man devoted [Oath Keeper] PSD,” brief for private safety element. He additionally described requests from Latinos for Trump, “a patriot billionaire” and VA Ladies for Trump.

“Backside line, is these of you desirous to do PSD particulars will get loads of alternative,” Rhodes wrote.

Meggs additionally described a familiarity with Stone that has beforehand emerged in different courtroom filings. When one Oath Keeper indicated that he needed to shake Stone’s hand, Meggs mentioned he would assist organize it.

“Been [to] his home a number of instances,” Meggs famous.

Attorneys for Flynn, Alexander and Stone weren’t instantly out there for remark.

The Oath Keepers additionally exchanged messages that referenced members of Congress. Rhodes, specifically, requested an affiliate for the cell variety of Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) who was described by members on the textual content chain as being in want of safety through the assault on the Capitol. Jackson was the White Home doctor earlier than he was elected to Congress in 2020.

“Dr. Ronnie Jackson — on the transfer. Wants safety. If anybody inside cowl him. He has essential information to guard,” one unidentified individual wrote.

“Assist with what?” Rhodes replied. “Give him my cell.” (A spokesperson for Jackson didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.)

In a Jan. 3 change, Meggs talked about that unidentified allies talked about the Oath Keepers “on the decision with congressmen” and “needed to say thanks all for offering and defending us.”

The submitting additionally features a transcript of a recorded assembly of the Oath Keepers from Nov. 9, 2020, through which Rhodes advises allies to concentrate on D.C.’s gun legal guidelines and different restrictions throughout protests.

“Pepper spray is authorized. Tasers are authorized, and stun weapons are authorized. And it doesn’t harm to have a lead pipe with a flag on it,” he mentioned.

“For instance, once I was strolling by the streets of Portland, I used to be quote/unquote unarmed, however I had my helmet in my hand. Guess what that was for? That was to whack somebody proper throughout the face in the event that they’re going to return at me. So, there are methods round — there’s methods of coping with issues that improvise as instruments.”

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