It is the most direct language to date of federal prosecutors linking Trump’s requests for support in Washington, DC, to the most militant aspects of the uprising.
Previously, the Department of Justice had somewhat refrained from linking Trump’s words so closely to the extremist group’s actions during the riot. At least four defendants argued in court this week that they followed Trump’s order to go to the Capitol building on January 6.
The submission of the Justice Department continued: ‘Her concern about taking action without his support is evident from a text of 9 November 2020 in which she says:’ I am concerned that this is an extensive trap. Unless the POTUS itself activates us, it is not legal. The POTUS also has the right to activate units. If Trump asks me to come, I will do it. Otherwise I can not trust it. ‘Watkins saw her desired signal by the end of December. ‘
Prosecutors describe Watkins as a military veteran who is now a leader in the broader right-wing military movement, instrumental in a group called the Ohio State Regular Militia and a key player who acts and communicates with others as soon as she arrives on January 6 in the Capitol was.
She has recruited at least two people for the uprising and is training others to be in ‘fighting shape’ for the presidential inauguration, prosecutors said in the Thursday submission.
Prosecutors said on a radio app that day that her group was 30 to 40 people.
Watkins allegedly had a “unanimous commitment to prevent the violence of Joe Biden’s presidency by force,” prosecutors said in the submission. “Crimes of this magnitude, committed with such zeal, believe all conditions of release that would reasonably ensure the safety of the community or through which Watkins can be trusted to comply.”
They note that she said on the radio channel: “We are currently in the main dome. We are shaking it.”
The Department of Justice also says Watkins wore camouflage mates and combat gear, including a tactical vest, boots and a helmet, and spoke on the radio with other Oath Guards.
“Unlike the vast majority, Watkins trained and planned a moment like this,” prosecutors wrote.
This story has been updated with additional developments.