The Oath Keepers

Abstract

ABSTRACT Oath Keepers (OK) is a prominent organization within the militia/patriot movement in the United States. The group rejects the legitimacy of the Biden administration and played a major role in the storming of the US Capitol on 6 January 2021. Reasons for OK’s predominance include not only its record of opposition to the federal government but also its national reach and its ability to recruit former military and law enforcement personnel. Members have also been elected to public office on state and local levels. OK draws on historical memory of the American Revolution and presents itself as the heir of the Founding Fathers. It aims to protect Americans from what it perceives as violations of citizens’ natural rights by the federal government and is known for participating in armed standoffs with federal agents in the western United States. In 2016, OK aligned itself with the administration of President Donald Trump and in opposition to the anti-fascist (antifa) movement.