Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer has been sentenced for his role in the Capitol riot. The sentence, given on October 25, includes three years of probation, 120 hours of community service, $1,000 in restitution, and a $200 fine.
Earlier in October, the U.S. government submitted a sentencing recommendation for Schaffer. In their memorandum, they suggested supervised probation and $2,000 restitution, noting that this would be enough to acknowledge the seriousness of Schaffer’s actions. They highlighted Schaffer’s cooperation with law enforcement and early acceptance of responsibility as factors in their recommendation.
“I profoundly regret my actions on January 6th, 2021. I haven’t been a perfect man, but for the majority of my life, I’ve been a very productive man, and have tried to live my life with integrity and a disciplined work ethic,” the guitarist issued a public statement in the aftermath of sentencing. “I deeply love our country and the founding principles that have inspired people from all over the world to look at the USA as a beacon of hope for all of humanity. Having traveled the world for over 30 years and having performed in approximately 100 countries, it was always a great feeling and relief when the airplane would safely land at home on US soil.”
“When the global pandemic came upon us, and chaos ensued all around the US in 2020, I was very concerned about what seemed to be a collapse of our country and the rule of law,” he 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.”
“I knew immediately that I had let my emotions get the best of me and made a terrible mistake. I drove home to Indiana the following morning on Thursday, January 7th, 2021. On the 8th I found my attorneys, and at my request they immediately reached out to the authorities. I willingly surrendered and cooperated with authorities. Initially, I was charged with multiple serious federal felony offenses and feared I may spend the rest of my life in prison. I spent several months in custody following my self-surrender. I was placed in solitary confinement with horrendous conditions, which was an extremely traumatic experience. I became the first person of the hundreds of co-defendants to enter a guilty plea, and have now been sentenced to probation,” Schaffer added.
The rocker added that the situation has been difficult for him and that he has been a better man. He also apologized to his fans.
On January 6, 2021, Schaffer was among the first to breach the Capitol building, wearing a tactical vest and an ‘Oath Keepers Lifetime Member’ hat, and carrying bear spray. Although he was reportedly aware of some Oath Keepers communications about the event, the government noted he was not involved in planning or coordinating the attack. Schaffer’s time inside the Capitol lasted less than 10 minutes, and he did not harm officers or damage property.
Following Schaffer’s actions that day, the remaining members of Iced Earth left the band and left Schaffer as its only current member.