On Friday, two ex-members of the far-right Oath Keepers, one notably a heavy metal guitarist, were sentenced to probation for their involvement in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
The chaotic events of that day involved supporters of then-President Donald Trump storming the Capitol, attempting to halt Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 elections. Despite Trump’s repeated claims of a stolen election, no evidence supported these assertions.
Jon Ryan Schaffer, who gained notoriety as the founder of heavy metal band Iced Earth, pleaded guilty in April 2021 to charges of obstruction and illegal entry into a restricted area while armed. He was the first to admit guilt in connection to the Capitol attack.
This past Friday, Schaffer was given three years of probation. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta acknowledged Schaffer’s willingness to take responsibility for his actions.
‘I Won’t Let You Down’
Before his sentencing, Schaffer expressed remorse to his fans, saying he regretted the “pain and embarrassment” his actions caused. “You have my word: I will not let you down,” he assured the judge.
On the fateful day, Schaffer was seen wearing an “Oath Keepers Lifetime Member” hat and a tactical vest while armed with bear spray, making him one of the first individuals to break into the Capitol building. His attorney claimed Schaffer was inside for only about ten minutes and did not engage in any violence or destruction. “He was misled by people in the executive branch,” the attorney added.
Another Oath Keeper Avoids Prison
Caleb Berry, another former Oath Keeper, also learned he would serve probation on Friday after pleading guilty to conspiracy and obstruction charges in a different case.
In court, Berry received commendation for his cooperation with investigators, which included providing key testimony in two trials. Judge Mehta thanked Berry for his bravery in helping prosecute other Oath Keepers involved in the riot.
Expressing gratitude for the legal repercussions he faced, Berry acknowledged that it helped him realize the “path of radicalization” he was on and apologized to his family and the country for his poor choices. “I acted foolishly and let my emotions take control,” he reflected.
Charges in the Capitol Riot
More than 1,500 individuals have been charged with crimes linked to the Capitol riot, with approximately 1,200 already pleading guilty or being convicted. Over 1,000 have been sentenced, many receiving jail time ranging from several days to 22 years.
Meanwhile, Trump, now the GOP presidential nominee, faces four federal felony counts tied to his role in the incident.
These include conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruct an official proceeding. He has referred to January 6 defendants as “hostages” and has indicated a willingness to pardon them if reelected.
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
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