‘QAnon Shaman’ Jacob Chansley Sentenced To 4 Years For January 6 Capitol Insurrection

The so called “QAnon Shaman” Jacob Chansley  was sentenced to four years in federal prison for storming the Capitol on January 6. He plead guilty Friday during a virtual hearing in DC District Court. The guilty plea was made as part of a deal with prosecutors.

CNN: “Chansley of Arizona, a well-known figure in the QAnon movement, went viral after the January 6 attack because of the bizarre outfit he wore while rummaging through the Capitol. Having made his way to the Senate dais that was hastily vacated earlier by Vice President Mike Pence — who Chansley falsely claimed was a “child-trafficking traitor,” — he became the face of the insurrection to the nation.”

Jacob Chansley, ‘The QAnon Shaman’ has pled guilty. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison, but he’ll probably get 19 year’s off his sentence for saving congressional muffins. pic.twitter.com/U3B8l7usoI

— Hoodlum ???????? (@NotHoodlum) September 3, 2021

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 06: A pro-Trump mob confronts U.S. Capitol police outside the Senate chamber of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Originally charged with six federal crimes. He pleaded guilty to one of the most serious charges and could face a maximum of 20 years in prison, though his lack of a criminal record means he’ll likely receive much less. As part of the plea agreement, Chansley agreed to pay $2,000 in restitution for damage to the Capitol. He could also face a fine of up to $250,000. During the plea hearing, Chansley’s attorney asked yet again for his client to be released before sentencing. The Justice Department opposed this request, and Lamberth said he will issue a decision soon. When he is sentenced, Chansley will get credit for time already served in jail.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 17. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to seek a punishment between roughly three and four years in prison. This is the same potential prison term that other Capitol rioters who pleaded guilty to a single felony charge are facing.

Axios: Why it matters: Chansley, who donned a distinctive horned headdress and face paint on the day of the attack, was widely viewed as the face of the pro-Trump insurrection.

• Chansley has spent eight months in prison after being indicted on six counts, including civil disorder, violent entry and disorderly content.
• A federal judge denied Chansley’s request to be released in March, citing him as a risk for potential future violence.
• Prosecutors say the guidelines for his sentencing range between 41 and 51 months in prison.

What they’re saying: “Mr. Chansley, a long avowed and practicing Shaman, has repudiated the ‘Q’ previously assigned to him and requests future references to him be devoid of use of the letter ‘Q’,” Chansley’s lawyer wrote in a filing, calling him “non-violent, peaceful and possessed of genuine mental health issues.”