Leaked Documents Reveal Ties Between Utah Officials and Far-Right Oath Keepers Group

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Recently obtained documents have uncovered alarming connections between the extremist group Oath Keepers and various law enforcement and legal officials in Utah. Two leadership meetings of the rightwing militia, held in February and March of 2023, were attended by former police officers, a current prosecutor, and a former elected official.

The revealed meeting minutes, which detailed discussions on topics like "Helicopter Landing Zone Bird Training" and "Hand to Hand Training," expose the group's deep-rooted ties with conservative politics and local law enforcement. Even after the conviction of Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes for involvement in the January 6 insurrection, the group appears undeterred, with ongoing efforts to rebuild its local presence.

Experts have mixed opinions on the group's resilience. Some believe that Rhodes' conviction did not significantly deter members, while others note that internal conflicts about leadership may lead to shifts within the organization. Notable attendees of the meetings included former police officer Len Gleim and attorney Mark Arrington, both of whom have extensive backgrounds in law enforcement.

With Rhodes' sentence recently commuted by former President Donald Trump, the future of the Oath Keepers nationally, as well as in Utah, remains uncertain. Analysts warn that while the organization may be struggling to regain its previous influence, the potential for other extremist ideologies to emerge remains a pressing concern.

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