With the official sentencing now full for Iced Earth’s Jon Schaffer in relation to his participation within the January 6 riot on the U.S. Capitol, the musician has now supplied his first public assertion on the matter.

The assertion was shared by the Attorneys for Freedom Law Firm who represented Schaffer. The musician, who was one of many first to breach the Capitol constructing in the course of the riot, was sentenced to 3 years of probation and 120 hours of group service. He may also should pay $1,000 in restitution and a $200 monetary evaluation as nicely. The authorities had advisable three years of supervised probation. The authorities additionally requested for $2,000 paid in restitution in addition to a compulsory $200 particular evaluation cost.

What Jon Schaffer Said After His Sentencing

The guitarist instantly addressed his actions, stating, (*6*)

The guitarist continued, “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.”

Schaffer additionally expressed his want to share his regret for his actions earlier, however revealed that as a consequence of his ongoing cooperation with the authorities he held off till now.

The musician’s full assertion may be learn under:

To my household, pals, and followers worldwide:

I profoundly remorse my actions on January sixth, 2021. I haven’t been an ideal man, however for nearly all of my life, I’ve been a really productive man, and have tried to dwell my life with integrity and a disciplined work ethic. I deeply love our nation and the founding rules which have impressed individuals from all around the world to take a look at the USA as a beacon of hope for all of humanity. Having traveled the world for over 30 years and having carried out in roughly 100 international locations, it was at all times a fantastic feeling and aid when the airplane would safely land at house on US soil.

When the worldwide pandemic came across us, and chaos ensued throughout the US in 2020, I used to be very involved about what appeared to be a collapse of our nation and the rule of legislation. When the 2020 election happened and I noticed many public officers and media retailers reporting that the election was stolen, my concern deepened. This led to my choice to go to D.C. and have my voice heard. I’m not excusing my impulsive conduct. I used to be flawed, and I take possession of my actions. I personal the truth that I made an enormous mistake, and I want I by no means would have gone there. In reality, the results have been devastating on my life, household, pals, enterprise, colleagues and enterprise companions.

I knew instantly that I had let my feelings get the most effective of me and made a horrible mistake. I drove house to Indiana the next morning on Thursday, January seventh, 2021. On the eighth I discovered my attorneys, and at my request they instantly reached out to the authorities. I willingly surrendered and cooperated with authorities. Initially, I used to be charged with a number of critical federal felony offenses and feared I’ll spend the remainder of my life in jail. I spent a number of months in custody following my self-surrender. I used to be positioned in solitary confinement with horrendous circumstances, which was an especially traumatic expertise. I grew to become the primary individual of the lots of of co-defendants to enter a responsible plea, and have now been sentenced to probation.

Until now, I’ve resisted the sturdy urge to problem a public assertion as a consequence of my ongoing cooperation and the desires of federal authorities. This prolonged interval of silence has added extra challenges to my life as a public individual. Since the start, I needed to precise my regret for my actions and tackle the official issues of my followers worldwide. I watched as one media outlet after the following dragged my popularity by the mud and condemned me for not making any assertion. However, I attempted to be as productive as potential in lieu of my very broken popularity and profession.

This entire state of affairs has been extraordinarily tough. However, I do know that I’ve turn out to be a greater man due to it. I used to remain so busy that I didn’t have a lot time for self-reflection. In the final three and a half years that’s principally what I’ve performed. I’ve turn out to be a member of an exquisite church and improved myself spiritually, mentally, and bodily. This private revival has impressed me to proceed writing and recording music. I’m sure there will probably be a really constructive outlook in my future creative creations.

To my followers who’ve continued to help me all through this deeply embarrassing ordeal, I wish to apologize for letting you down and thanks for conserving me going. To these followers who I’ve misplaced as a consequence of my choices that day, I definitely perceive. I humbly ask everybody to permit me to reveal by my actions how far I’ve come. I want to proceed to make use of my artwork to unite individuals, and by no means to divide.

Sincerely,
Jon Schaffer

What Jon Schaffer Did on January 6

On Jan. 6, 2021, Schaffer was amongst those that stormed the Capitol Building making an attempt to cease the switch the ability of the presidency from Donald Trump to Joe Biden as the federal government was set to certify the outcomes of the earlier 12 months’s election.

The musician was amongst these photographed amidst the mob storming the constructing. Per the memorandum, he was one of many first six individuals to have breached the Capitol by the doorways on the northwest aspect of the constructing. Schaffer was noticed carrying a tactical vest and a hat that learn “Oath Keepers Lifetime Member.” He was additionally carrying a can of bear spray.

The memorandum states that Schaffer’s participation was not random and that he had been aware of a number of the communications of Oath Keepers chief Elmer Stewart Rhodes III concerning the march on Washington, D.C. to oppose the election outcomes.

However, the memorandum acknowledged that Schaffer was not concerned within the planning or coordination of the assault nor was he a part of the encrypted chats detailing the operation. He additionally didn’t enter the Capitol constructing with the Oath Keepers regardless of donning the group’s hat. Therefore, he was not charged as a part of the Oath Keepers conspiracy.

READ MORE: Ex-Iced Earth Vocalist Stu Block Has No Hate for Jon Schaffer

The memorandum additionally acknowledged that Schaffer was contained in the Capitol constructing for beneath 10 minutes and didn’t instantly inflict hurt on any officers or trigger any property injury throughout his entry into the constructing.

In the aftermath of Schaffer’s participation within the Jan. 6 riot, the remaining members of Iced Earth all give up the band. At current, Schaffer stays the one present band member of the group.