A transgender Army veteran, Jessica Watkins, has been handed an 8.5-year prison sentence for her involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol Insurrection. Watkins, a member of the far-right militia Oath Keepers, played a more aggressive and purposeful role, according to Judge Amit Mehta. He emphasized that Watkins not only led others in fulfilling her purposes but also displayed a lack of remorse in the immediate aftermath of the attack. The sentencing acknowledges Watkins’ eventual apology for her part in the insurrection, which resulted in five deaths.
Watkins downplayed her role during the trial, referring to herself as “just another idiot running around the hallway.” However, prosecutors viewed her involvement differently. The Oath Keepers, known for embracing baseless conspiracy theories about the government, were actively planning to overthrow the government. Watkins, as a dues-paying member, recruited individuals for training and assigned roles within the group ahead of the attack.
On the day of the insurrection, Watkins and her group forced their way into the Capitol building, making their way to the Senate. Prosecutors highlighted her active participation, urging the crowd to push forward, shouting, “They can’t hold us!” Despite concerns about going silent, Watkins continued to communicate via the walkie-talkie app Zello, documenting her progress inside the Capitol.
While Watkins was acquitted of the top charge of seditious conspiracy, she was found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding and other felonies. Judge Mehta acknowledged that her role went beyond that of a mere foot soldier, stating that she played a significant part in the events. During the trial, Watkins shared her experiences as a transgender individual, including serving in the military under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy and facing rejection from her family. She cited these experiences as factors that led to her lashing out during the insurrection.
The sentencing of Jessica Watkins, a transgender Army veteran, serves as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds and motivations behind the individuals involved in the Capitol Insurrection. As the legal proceedings continue, the case highlights the broader implications of the attack and the ongoing efforts to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.