In a candid discussion on the Later Than You Think podcast, Jon Schaffer, the founder of the heavy metal band Iced Earth, disclosed his transformative journey to Christianity during his incarceration following the events of the January 6 Capitol riot. His reflections on faith and personal growth unfolded as he navigated the complexities of his situation, revealing how this pivotal moment in his life shaped his spiritual beliefs. Throughout the interview, Schaffer shared insights about his path to redemption, illustrating how his time in jail became a catalyst for deep introspection and spiritual awakening.

Discovering Faith: Jon Schaffer’s Journey to Embrace Christianity

Jon Schaffer shared that his journey towards embracing Christianity had been unfolding for some time, but it gained significant clarity after the tumultuous events of January 6. He mentioned, “I began reading the Bible, though I wasn’t fully engaged. It was a gradual process, as I’m quite a stubborn person. My faith journey truly took off during solitary confinement, where I was left with my thoughts, confronting the stark realities of good and evil around me and the people involved.” This introspective period allowed him to reassess his beliefs and the moral implications of his actions.

He further reflected, “While my time in solitary was challenging, it was not the definitive ‘come to Jesus’ moment; rather, it was a crucial step leading to that realization. It became evident how misaligned my life was, especially following a painful fallout with my daughter, which was both heartbreaking and ugly.” This realization marked a significant turning point in Schaffer’s life.

After his release, Schaffer discovered a local church in Florida that resonated deeply with him, igniting a newfound appreciation for faith. He attended another church, which left him feeling uplifted, but it was his visit to a third church that solidified his commitment to spiritual growth.

“I fell in love with Lakeview Church in Tarpon Springs. I began attending services on Saturday nights and would often attend twice a month. Most of the time, I streamed services due to the lengthy travel. Sometimes, I would wake up early just to attend in person, despite the long commute. I asked Pastor Tim Miller to baptize me, and we did so in his pool, marking a significant milestone in my spiritual journey. However, I felt I was still on my path and not entirely there yet,” he explained.

Embracing a New Chapter: Jon Schaffer’s Baptism

When asked about his motivations for baptism and its significance in moving forward from his past, Schaffer responded, “Absolutely. I understand that baptism doesn’t guarantee salvation; that’s not the focus. It was about making a conscious choice, something I couldn’t do as a baby, and this decision was deeply personal to me.” His clarity on the importance of choice underscores the transformative power of faith in his life.

After relocating back to Indiana, Schaffer began attending a church closer to his home, yet he still made it a point to watch services from Lakeview Church on Sundays after work, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to his spiritual development and community.

Jon Schaffer Reflects on His Role in the January 6 Capitol Riot

In the podcast interview, Schaffer candidly addressed his involvement in the January 6 riot at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., expressing that the situation escalated beyond his expectations. He viewed it more as a protest rather than an insurrection, stating, “You have to consider that this was a gathering of the most armed citizenry globally. Somehow, all those so-called insurrectionists left their weapons at home, which suggests that violence was not their intent.” His perspective offers a nuanced view of the events that transpired that day.

He elaborated on the atmosphere during the rally, suggesting that those attending President Trump‘s speech were initially there to voice their concerns about the election results. However, as the speech concluded, an “energy flow” of individuals began to move towards the Capitol, where he felt the situation took a dramatic turn. Schaffer noted that some rioters appeared to be welcomed into the Capitol building by law enforcement, complicating the narrative surrounding the events.

Reflecting on his experience, he shared, “I can’t say how many individuals present could have been agent provocateurs. I was simply trying to navigate my way through the crowd. I didn’t witness any entrances being breached, and I didn’t understand the chaos that was unfolding.” He described the sounds of what he perceived as concussion grenades and tear gas canisters, noting the distress of those around him. “It was overwhelming; I was confused and didn’t expect such aggression from the crowd, as that contradicts what our movement represents,” he expressed.

Jon Schaffer Believes He Was a Victim of Entrapment

In recounting his experience, Schaffer mentioned an instance where he observed police discussing whether to reopen a barricaded area. As some individuals exited, others attempted to enter, an experience that left him feeling uneasy about the situation. “I recognize that my actions weren’t the wisest, but I firmly believe it was entrapment—one hundred percent,” Schaffer asserted. “The truth will eventually come to light. I understand my shortcomings, but I allowed my emotions to take control, and I sensed a greater force at play that I struggle to articulate.”

Jon Schaffer’s Insights on January 6 and Its Aftermath

During the interview, Schaffer revisited a November 2020 interview he conducted at a Donald Trump rally, emphasizing that his concerns were not solely about Trump but rather about the perceived theft of the election. “I would feel just as outraged if the Democrats had been the ones robbed of the election because that would signify the end of our republic, which has been compromised for a long time. My stance is against tyranny; I want people to have the freedom to express themselves, worship, and thrive,” Schaffer conveyed passionately.

He continued, “There is a pervasive evil that transcends political affiliations; both parties exhibit flaws. I hope that significant truths will emerge, shocking the populace sufficiently to foster healing and unity.” His reflections highlight a desire for greater awareness and understanding within the political landscape.

What Lies Ahead for Jon Schaffer and His Musical Career

Following his arrest, the other members of Iced Earth departed, leaving Schaffer as the sole remaining member. When discussing his musical future, he stated, “I have several projects in the pipeline that I’m eager to work on. As for new material, I want to take my time to ensure there is a clear artistic direction rather than something manufactured.” This approach indicates his desire for authenticity and depth in his work moving forward.

“Any future endeavors must be significant; I refuse to force anything. My aim is to create music that glorifies God,” he emphasized. “There’s always been a hint of biblical themes in my music, but now, through a Christian lens, I see an abundance of inspiration that I hope will positively impact others. I’m waiting for the right moment to activate my creativity again,” he concluded with hope and anticipation.

Legal Outcomes: Jon Schaffer’s Sentencing and Community Service

Upon his release, Schaffer received a sentence of three years probation along with 120 hours of community service, reflecting the legal consequences of his actions during the riot. He was also mandated to pay $1,000 in restitution and a $200 financial assessment. While his cooperation in the investigation led to his release, he was subsequently included among nearly 1,500 individuals who faced charges related to the January 6 riot and were later pardoned by Donald Trump during his return to the presidency.

Jon Schaffer Shares His Story on the Later Than You Think Podcast