California sheriff Chad Bianco defends past Oath Keepers affiliation
politicsMar 22, 2026
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco defended and downplayed his past membership in the Oath Keepers. In an interview he said his involvement was brief and that he left the group years ago. The Oath Keepers are an extremist militia, and 17 members have been indicted in the January 6 attack. Bianco is running for California governor, and his admitted ties to the group raise concerns about his judgment and law enforcement impartiality.
Key Highlights
Chad Bianco defended and downplayed his past Oath Keepers membership.
Seventeen Oath Keepers members were indicted in connection with January 6.
Bianco faces scrutiny as a gubernatorial candidate over his extremist ties.