NEW: in November Jessica Watkins was training a paramilitary group to be "fighting fit" while "awaiting direction" from President Trump.
By December 29th, a text exchange showed she perceived that Trump had given the signal.
Per: Gov detention memo.
h/t @ryanjreilly THREAD
2/ Folks will remember Jessica Watkins as part of the disciplined "stack" of #Oathkeepers moving up to the #Capitol doors, then forcing entry.
Video: @rstevensbrody
3/ The Gov memo begins by highlighting the call for action made by #OathKeepers leader Elmer Stuart Rhodes on their website.
I'm including a screenshot of it: "TAKE AMERICA BACK. BE THERE. WILL BE WILD."
4/ “I need you fighting fit by innaugeration.” [sic]
In October, Watkins was actively recruiting new militia members for the operation.
And discussing the need to "go underground" if Biden came into power.
5/ 🚨CHILLING: The Jan6 Quick Reaction Force was "our Law Enforcement members of Oathkeepers".
Context: The group had a planned armed QRF outside DC during previous protests that would "await...orders to enter DC under permission from Trump" and then bring in weapons.
6/ NEW pic: memo shows cluster of #Oathkeepers bunching inside the #Capitol, seen on what looks like Capitol CCTV. Watkins is highlighted with a yellow arrow.
7/ Reminder: Watkins was not alone.
-Indicted alongside vets Thomas Caldwell & Donovan Crowl.
-Participated in an #Oathkeepers "leadership only" phone conference & passed along directives.
- Apparent coordination among other Oath Keepers👇
-Etc.
8/ The memo's factual background finishes with mention of Elmer Stuart Rhodes' disturbing "Warning Order" from January.
I tweeted a bit about it at the time👇
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