Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer arrested for storming US Capitol
He is facing six charges
Last updated 18th Jan 2021
Jon Schaffer, guitarist with heavy metal band Iced Earth, has been arrested for allegedly storming the US Capitol Building on Wednesday 6th January.
FBI Indianapolis released a statement in the early hours of this morning (18th January) confirming that 52-year-old Schaffer faces a total of six charges for his alleged role in the violence.
They wrote: “Jon Schaffer, Columbus, IN, has been arrested in connection to Jan 6 incident at the U.S. Capitol. Schaffer faces 6 charges including engaging in an act of physical violence in a Capitol building. Schaffer was allegedly among rioters who sprayed Capitol police with ‘bear spray.’”
As the name suggests, bear spray is an aerosol used to deter aggressive and charging bears.
Schaffer was photographed at the riot wearing a hat professing his lifetime membership to the Oath Keepers; an American far-right anti-government militia organisation.
According to the IndyStar, Schaffer handed himself in to police on Sunday afternoon (17th January)
Jon Schaffer’s six charges are as follows:
1) Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority
2) Disrupting the Orderly Conduct of Government Business
3) Knowingly Engages 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) Engage in an Act of Physical Violence in a Capitol Building
6) Parade, Demonstrate, or Picket in a Capitol Building
Jon Schaffer has remained silent on social media since the storming of the Capitol, however his Iced Earth band mates issued a statement condemning the violence.
They wrote: "We absolutely DO NOT condone nor do we support riots or the acts of violence that the rioters were involved in on January 6th at the US Capitol building," they wrote. "We hope that all those involved that day are brought to justice to be investigated and answer for their actions.
“With broken hearts we are sending our love and compassion to everyone who has felt pain from the events on January 6th. We are deeply saddened and our hearts go out to the families of the lives lost that day. There are really no proper words to console. Just know we are with you in your shock, grief and pain. Much love to you all.”
Speaking to German newspaper last November, Jon Schaffer said "a group of thugs and criminals hijacked this country a long time ago" and warned that "they're messing with the wrong people here. Because now we see you, and you're going down. Mark my words."