Prosecutors' decision to bring the charge seditious conspiracy carries symbolic and political weight; the relevant statute dates back to the Civil War-era. Before the seditious conspiracy charge was brought, a central charge in DOJ's Oath Keeper case was conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding. Several Oath Keepers who do not currently face the seditious conspiracy charge brought by the DOJ Thursday face a conspiracy obstruction charge. That charge, as well as the seditious conspiracy charge, carries a 20-year maximum prison sentence. Four of those indicted in the DOJ's Oath Keepers' prosecutions are known to be cooperating with the government.

Source: CNN January 15, 2022 14:25 UTC