A heavy metal musician and former member of the far-right extremist group, the Oath Keepers, has been granted probation following his involvement in the January 6th, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Jon Ryan Schaffer, the founder of the band Iced Earth, became the first individual associated with the Capitol riot to admit guilt to federal charges in 2021. During a recent court appearance, the judge and prosecutors noted Schaffer’s prompt acceptance of responsibility and his cooperation with federal authorities investigating the events of that day.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta expressed that Schaffer’s willingness to come forward with the truth spoke volumes about his character. As he delivered the sentencing, which included three years of probation, Schaffer stood before the court and expressed his remorse to his fanbase, acknowledging the “pain and embarrassment” his actions had inflicted.
“I promise you: I will not let you down,” Schaffer reassured the judge. In April 2021, he reached a plea agreement with prosecutors admitting to two specific charges: obstruction of an official proceeding and unlawfully entering and remaining in a restricted area with a dangerous weapon. Notably, he was not implicated in any premeditated plans or coordination with fellow Oath Keepers who are facing separate accusations of seditious conspiracy and more severe charges.
Schaffer had traveled to Washington, D.C., in November 2020 to take part in the “Million MAGA March,” voicing his discontent over the presidential election results. During that demonstration, he was quoted as saying that a “group of thugs and criminals hijacked this country,” vowing that they would “pay for their actions.” On the day of the riot, he donned a hat identifying him as an “Oath Keepers Lifetime Member,” along with a tactical vest, while carrying bear spray. Prosecutors stated that Schaffer was among the initial individuals to force his way into the Capitol through a set of doors on the building’s northwest side.
Schaffer spent around 10 minutes inside the Capitol, did not engage in any violent acts or vandalism, and has already served approximately three months in detention following his arrest, according to his attorney Marc Victor. The attorney further noted that Schaffer was led to believe that the 2020 election was plagued by fraud and that the nation was on the brink of a takeover at the time he stormed the Capitol.
“He was mistaken, but that was his belief,” Victor explained to the judge. “He was misled by figures within the executive branch.” In the wake of the January 6th incident, more than 1,500 individuals have faced federal charges related to the Capitol riot. Of those, around 1,200 have entered guilty pleas or have been convicted following judicial proceedings, with over 1,000 individuals receiving sentences, approximately two-thirds of which involve incarceration ranging from a few days up to 22 years.