In Jefferson City, Missouri, the duo founders of the “2nd Amendment Militia” have been convicted on multiple counts, including charges of attempting to murder federal agents, preparing for an armed journey into the Texas-Mexico border.
The men, Jonathan S. O’Dell, 34, of Warshaw, Missouri, and Bryan C. Perry, 39, of Clarksville, Tennessee, were accused of plans to shoot immigrants crossing the border and any federal agents who intervened. They faced over 30 felony counts each. The verdict was delivered Thursday after a two-hour jury deliberation.
Federal prosecutors said O’Dell and Perry were soliciting members for their militia in 2022 and had been stockpiling weapons, ammunition, and paramilitary gear at O’Dell’s residence in preparation for the planned operation.
On September of that year, Perry posted videos to social media stating that the group intended to “protect this country” and “get ready for ‘huntin’,” allegedly referring to their plan to murder Border Patrol agents whom they regarded as traitors.
The two men were nabbed in October 2022 when an FBI tactical team tried to serve a search warrant on O’Dell’s property. Reports had it that Perry started shooting with a rifle when the agents arrived in an armored vehicle; he fired 11 shots before he was overpowered in a tussle by agents. Two men were taken into custody, while O’Dell’s girlfriend surrendered peacefully.
Perry’s case got even more complicated when he pleaded guilty to three more charges regarding his September 2023 break from federal custody during his trial. Being held in the Rolla, Missouri jail, reports indicate that Perry allegedly escaped from the facility and was apprehended two days later on a high-speed chase near Kansas City.
The convictions include attempted murder of federal officers, unlawful possession of firearms, and using firearms in crimes of violence. Perry is a convicted felon because he had a 2004 aggravated robbery charge.
Defense attorneys offered differing opinions; O’Dell would not comment while Perry’s lawyer, Thomas Kirsch said his client intends to appeal. He said that he was disappointed by the verdict but appreciated the jury trial process.
No sentencing date has been set. But both men could face a minimum of 10 years to life in prison, according to the seriousness of the charges.
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