Jon Schaffer, the founding guitarist of the heavy metal band Iced Earth, has been sentenced to three years of probation and 120 hours of community service for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. He will also be required to pay $1,000 in restitution and a $200 financial assessment.
Early Plea and Cooperation
Earlier this month, the U.S. government had requested a three-year probation sentence, $2,000 in restitution, and a $200 special assessment. The government’s sentencing memorandum highlighted Schaffer’s early acceptance of responsibility and substantial cooperation with law enforcement.
Role in the Capitol Attack
Schaffer was among the first individuals to breach the Capitol building, wearing a tactical vest and an “Oath Keepers Lifetime Member” hat. He carried bear spray and his aggressive actions contributed to forcing law enforcement officers to retreat, allowing the mob to enter the Capitol.
While Schaffer was not directly involved in the core planning of the attack and did not enter the Capitol with the main group of Oath Keepers, his participation was significant. He had been involved in prior events organized by the Oath Keepers, a far-right militia group, to protest the 2020 election results.
Plea Agreement and Cooperation
On April 16, 2021, Schaffer pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of an official proceeding and one count of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon. He was the first person to plead guilty in connection with the January 6 attack and agreed to cooperate with the government.
