Oath Keepers conspiracy trials begins, charged with actions related to Capitol attack

(KYMA, KECY/ CNN) - The leader, and four top lieutenants of the far-right anti-government militia - Oath Keepers - will stand trial, beginning on Tuesday.

The group is accused of plotting and coordinating a sophisticated plan that began to take shape just days after the 2020 election - leading up to the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol

They're charged with sedition - conspiring to overthrow the U.S. government. All five defendants face a maximum of 20 years in a federal prison.

The trial is historic for a number of reasons:

It's the first time in more than a decade the Justice Department will argue at trial and it's the most aggressive case prosecutors have ever brought against a group of alleged rioters.

Prosecutors will lay out an extensive retelling of January 6th and the months leading up to the riot with more than 40 witnesses and recordings.

Meanwhile, the defense argues the Oath Keepers came to Washington to act as "peacekeepers" if riots broke out.

This is the first of three sedition trials set to take place before the end of the year.