Tarrio discussed the court's order, informing the group he was going north to Maryland, so he could "stay close just to make sure my guys are ok."[212] Tarrio discussed his confiscated phone with Gracia. He told her that "they couldn't get in there," apparently referencing the two-factor authentication enabled on his phone.[213] Tarrio also appeared familiar with another attendee, Vets for Trump leader Macias, who rested his hand on Tarrio's shoulder at various points.[214] Rhodes and Tarrio shook hands.[215]
Much of the substantive conversation between Rhodes, Tarrio, and the others cannot be heard because Tarrio asked Quested's camera crew to stop recording.[216] However, some of the conversation is audible from afar and Rhodes can be heard telling Tarrio that he "has three groups in Tyson's Corner,"[217] a reference to the QRFs that he had mustered in the event that President Trump called the Oath Keepers into service.
Tarrio later expressed appreciation for Rhodes's presence at the garage meeting and underscored that their two organizations needed to stand together on January 6th. Tarrio explained that the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers are "just two different groups" and that he and Rhodes "don't get along," but said that "for situations like this where there is a need to unite regardless of our differences . . . what he did today was commendable."[218] Tarrio added that Rhodes's presence at the garage meeting was "thoughtful" because Rhodes had "quickly provided security" for the meeting and "seemed concerned" about Tarrio's legal situation.[219] In a likely nod to prior coordination between Proud Boys and Oath Keepers at other post-election events, Tarrio further explained that "my guys have helped him [Rhodes] out in the past," and that he and Rhodes have "mutual respect" for one another.[220] Tarrio then traveled north to a hotel near Baltimore, Maryland, where he stayed through the events of the next day.[221]
6.6 “FRIENDS OF STONE”
As explained above, a constellation of far-right characters came together in late 2020 as part of the "Stop the Steal" cause. Among them was Roger Stone, a right-wing political operative whose career as a self-trumpeted dirty trickster stretched back decades. Stone is arguably President Trump's oldest political advisor.[222] For example, he worked for Donald Trump's independent presidential bid during the 2000 campaign.[223] In addition to his political connections, Stone cultivated relationships with far-right extremists, including the two groups charged with seditious conspiracy: the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys.
The Select Committee found that at least seven members of the Oath Keepers provided security for Stone, or were seen with him, in the weeks
