What is US Capitol rioter ‘QAnon Shaman' being charged with?
Nearly 600 people have now been charged in connection with the 6 January attack on Congress and one of the most infamous members of the mob will soon plead guilty.
On Thursday a new court filing showed that Jacob Chansley, also known as the infamous ‘QAnon Shaman’ from the Capitol Hill riots, is set to plead guilty in his criminal case.
Chansley was one of the most widely-shared members of the pro-Trump mob who stormed Congress on 6 January and was seen in photos and videos walking through the Capitol building wielding a spear, wearing face paint, and sporting a fur vest and horned hat.
It is not known known exactly which of the six charges he intends to plead guilty to but it would typically be one or more of more of the less serious charges.
District of Columbia court records show that Jacob Chansley is currently detained on the following charges:
- Civil Disorder
- Obstruction of an Official Proceeding
- Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building
- Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building
- Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building
- Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building
‘QAnon Shaman’ ruled too dangerous for release by judge
Chansley had grown to become one of the most well-known and influential members of the QAnon conspiracy movement, which is based around a completely fabricated theory that US society is ran by a satanic cabal of paedophiles. The online group is believed to have been central to the planning and execution of the attack on the Capitol which resulted in six deaths.
Speaking after the guilty plea was lodged earlier this week, Chansley’s attorney Al Watkins said his client is now "seeking, as part of his reconciliation of where he is today, to step away and distance himself from the Q vortex."
He continued: "The path charted by Mr. Chansley since January 6 has been a process, one which has involved pain, depression, solitary confinement, introspection, recognition of mental health vulnerabilities, and a coming to grips with the need for more self-work.”
Watkins had been pushing for Chansley to be released from jail but DC District Judge Royce Lamberth has repeatedly ruled that he poses too much of a threat to be released on bail.
The Justice Department has recently secured its 50th guilty plea of Capitol Hill rioters as it works through the mass of footage and other evidence gathered from the attack. Nearly 600 people have so far been arrested in connection to the events of 6 January, which saw dozens of police officers assaulted and the Congressional certification of Biden’s victory put on hold.
Most of the 50 to have pled guilty to date have done so in connection with more low-level charges of trespassing and other non-violent offenses. The Justice Department is continuing to build cases against those linked to right-wing extremist groups, such as the Proud Boys, who are believed to have instigated the violent attacks on law enforcement.