Jon Schaffer , composer and guitarist for Iced Earth , was released on bail last Thursday, the 22nd, after spending nearly three months in jail. The metal guitarist quickly became one of the faces of the Capitol storming, organized by supporters of former President Donald Trump, after a photo of Schaffer circulated online.
Schaffer pleaded guilty to two charges (obstructing an official congressional process and trespassing on restricted property within the Capitol while armed with a deadly or dangerous weapon), although he was originally charged with six crimes.
Although Schaffer could face up to 30 years in prison, CNN reported that prosecutors and Schaffer's defense team agreed to recommend a sentence of between 3 and 4 years for the guitarist. However, the sentence will be decided by Judge Amit Mehta.
Schaffer's release from prison was filmed by NewsNation Now . A reporter asked Schaffer a series of questions as he emerged from confinement, but the musician remained silent as he walked away accompanied by a woman.
The guitarist's bail conditions are as follows:
- He must submit to court supervision in Indiana;
- He must hand over his passport and international travel documents;
- He must stay out of Washington DC, except for court hearings and meetings with lawyers;
- He will be allowed to travel within the United States, but with prior notice while he is awaiting trial.
- He cannot possess any firearms or explosive devices, even legally. Firearms must be removed from his home.
Furthermore, Jon Schaffer agreed to a plea deal and received sponsorship from the Witness Protection Program.
According to his plea agreement, “Schaffer admitted to being one of the first individuals to push open the damaged doors and enter the Capitol building, forcing officers to retreat. Schaffer and others advanced toward five or six USCP officers who retreated as members of the crowd grew inside the Capitol and overwhelmed the officers. The officers eventually deployed a chemical irritant to disperse the crowd. Schaffer was among those who were sprayed in the face, after which he left holding his own spray in his hands.”
Check out the video here .