Oath Keepers leader waited for Trump directive, prosecutors say

Military veterans, arrested for the assault on Capitol 7:26

(CNN) -

The Justice Department made clear that a leader of the paramilitary group Oath Keepers - who planned and led others in the siege of the Capitol to try to thwart Biden's presidency - believed she was answering the call of then-President Donald Trump.

"As the inauguration approached, (Jessica) Watkins indicated that she was awaiting instructions from President Trump," prosecutors wrote in a document Thursday morning.

This is the most direct language yet from federal prosecutors linking Trump's requests for support in Washington to the more militant aspects of the insurrection.

Previously, the Justice Department had held back somewhat from closely linking Trump's words to the extremist group's actions during the riot.

At least four defendants argued in court this week that they followed Trump's direction to go to the Capitol building on January 6.

The Justice Department document goes on to say: “Your concern about taking action without your endorsement was evident in a text dated November 9, 2020 in which you said,“ I am concerned that this is an elaborate trap.

Unless POTUS activates us itself, it is not legitimate.

POTUS also has the right to activate units.

If Trump asks me to come, I will.

Otherwise, I can't trust it. '

Watkins had sensed that desired signal in late December. '

Prosecutors argue in the filing in favor of keeping Watkins in jail pending trial.

She was arrested several weeks ago and has been charged with conspiracy and other charges related to the Capitol riots.

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Chansley clung to Trump's words, says lawyer 0:57

The role of Jessica Watkins of the Oath Keepers in the assault on the Capitol

Prosecutors describe Watkins as a military veteran who is now a leader in the broader right-wing militia movement, who plays a decisive role in a group called the Ohio State Regular Militia, and who was instrumental in acting and communicating with others when was inside the Capitol on January 6.

He recruited at least two people for the insurrection and was training others to be in "fighting form" for the presidential inauguration, prosecutors say in Thursday's presentation.

That day, he said on a radio app that his group was 30 to 40 people, prosecutors say.

Watkins allegedly had a "determined devotion to obstructing through violence" the certification of Joe Biden's presidency, prosecutors said.

"Crimes of this magnitude, committed with such zeal, disprove (the possibility of) any condition of release that reasonably guarantees the safety of the community or that Watkins can be trusted to comply," they added.

They noted that he said on the radio channel: “We are in the main dome at the moment.

We are shaking it.

The Justice Department also says Watkins wore a camouflage uniform and combat gear, which included a tactical vest, boots, and a helmet.

He also claims that he spoke to other Oath Keepers on the radio.

"Unlike the vast majority, Watkins had trained and conspired for a time like this," prosecutors wrote.

Alleged Paramilitary Conspirator Discussed Bringing Weapons To Washington By Ship, Justice Department Says

On Thursday, prosecutors also said they believe pro-Trump paramilitaries discussed transporting weapons across the Potomac River to Washington.

The plan to carry guns by boat is mentioned in a Justice Department court file arguing in favor of keeping Thomas Caldwell in jail.

This is a Virginia man charged with conspiracy and who allegedly helped organize the Oath Keeper agitators and other extremist groups.

Watch the video that argues the impeachment of Trump 13:18

Prosecutors say that, three days before the siege, Caldwell sent a text message to a person believed to be related to the paramilitary group 3 Percenters about using a boat to cross the Potomac.

He wrote about the possibility of having someone on the dock ramp and pretend they used a boat or two for fishing.

This idea, Caldwell wrote, would help his contacts avoid driving into Washington, which has much stricter gun laws than neighboring Virginia, which is across the river.

Assault on the Capitol