Iced Earth, etc. guitarist Jon Schaffer has now issued a statement regarding his involvement in the January 06th, 2021 U.S. Capitol riot that took place in Washington, DC. Schaffer was among the numerous individuals found to have breached the building, which serves as the seat of the United State Congress. The riot took place as the latter were attempting to certify the results of the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
Schaffer himself took a plea bargain and agreed to cooperate with law enforcement after his arrest stemming from the riot. Per the authorities, Schaffer was identified as having ties to the far-right anti-government militia Oath Keepers, who were seen to be among the instigators of the violent actions that unfolded on that day.
Schaffer was filmed wearing a hat with the logo of the militia on the day of the riot. The 56-year-old musician has just been sentenced to 3 years supervised probation for his participation in the riots, along with $2,200 in fines and 120 hours of community service for his actions on that day.
Schaffer initially faced a much stiffer sentence however, having been looking at charges of:
- 1) Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority
- 2) Disrupting the Orderly Conduct of Government Business
- 3) Knowingly Engaging in an Act of Physical Violence Against any Person or Property in any Restricted Building or Grounds
- 4) Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building
- 5) Engaging in an Act of Physical Violence in a Capitol Building
- 6) Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building
However, as a result of his plea bargain, he entered guilty pleas to the charges of obstruction of an official proceeding of Congress, and trespassing on restricted grounds of the Capitol while armed with a deadly or dangerous weapon (bear spray).
The manner of his ultimate sentencing hinged upon on his cooperation with law enforcement and their investigations that followed the riot. Schaffer did initially spend a few months incarcerated after the incident, where he claims to have been subjected to fecal and urine attacks from other inmates.
In light of him providing ‘substantial assistance’ to law enforcement in the years since the riot and their various investigations into the matter, he was given this relaxed sentence. Several months prior to the riot, Schaffer expressed his radical views at a Donald Trump rally held in November of 2020. He told Die Welt at the time:
“A group of thugs and criminals hijacked this country a long time ago. Now they’re making their big move, and it’s not gonna happen. And that’s what it is. These are globalists. These are the scum of the earth. These are the criminals that are behind all the fraudulent fee on currency, they’re behind all the wars, they’re behind all the shit.
They’re behind divide-and-conquer tactics, behind the racial divide. It’s all nonsense, it’s all garbage. People need to wake up and snap out of the matrix, because they’re going down. They’ve made the move. They’re messing with the wrong people here—trust me on that. And we needed it to be open like this—open fraud, open theft. Because now we see you, and you’re going down. Mark my words.”
In light of his recent sentencing, Schaffer has issued the following statement today, October 25th, via his legal representation at the Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm:
“I profoundly regret my actions on January 6th, 2021. I haven’t been a perfect man, but for the majority of my life, I’ve been a very productive man, and have tried to live my life with integrity and a disciplined work ethic. I deeply love our country and the founding principles that have inspired people from all over the world to look at the USA as a beacon of hope for all of humanity. Having traveled the world for over 30 years and having performed in approximately 100 countries, it was always a great feeling and relief when the airplane would safely land at home on US soil.
When the global pandemic came upon us, and chaos ensued all around the US in 2020, I was very concerned about what seemed to be a collapse of our country and the rule of law. When the 2020 election took place and I saw many public officials and media outlets reporting that the election was stolen, my concern deepened. This led to my decision to go to D.C. and have my voice heard. I’m not excusing my impulsive behavior. I was wrong, and I take ownership of my actions. I own the fact that I made a huge mistake, and I wish I never would have gone there. In fact, the consequences have been devastating on my life, family, friends, business, colleagues and business partners.
I knew immediately that I had let my emotions get the best of me and made a terrible mistake. I drove home to Indiana the following morning on Thursday, January 7th, 2021. On the 8th I found my attorneys, and at my request they immediately reached out to the authorities. I willingly surrendered and cooperated with authorities. Initially, I was charged with multiple serious federal felony offenses and feared I may spend the rest of my life in prison. I spent several months in custody following my self-surrender. I was placed in solitary confinement with horrendous conditions, which was an extremely traumatic experience. I became the first person of the hundreds of co-defendants to enter a guilty plea, and have now been sentenced to probation.
Until now, I have resisted the strong urge to issue a public statement due to my ongoing cooperation and the wishes of federal authorities. This extended period of silence has added additional challenges to my life as a public person. Since the beginning, I wanted to express my remorse for my actions and address the legitimate concerns of my fans worldwide. I watched as one media outlet after the next dragged my reputation through the mud and condemned me for not making any statement. However, I tried to be as productive as possible in lieu of my very damaged reputation and career.
This whole situation has been extremely difficult. However, I know that I have become a better man because of it. I used to stay so busy that I didn’t have much time for self-reflection. In the last three and a half years that’s mostly what I’ve done. I have become a member of a wonderful church and improved myself spiritually, mentally, and physically. This personal revival has inspired me to continue writing and recording music. I’m certain there will be a very positive outlook in my future artistic creations.
To my fans who have continued to support me throughout this deeply embarrassing ordeal, I want to apologize for letting you down and thank you for keeping me going. To those fans who I have lost due to my decisions that day, I certainly understand. I humbly ask everyone to allow me to demonstrate through my actions how far I’ve come. I wish to continue to use my art to unite people, and never to divide.
Sincerely, Jon Schaffer.”
