Jon Schaffer, a founding member of Iced Earth and a guitarist in Demons & Wizards was sentenced to three years probation, 120 hours of community service, and will also have to pay $1,000 in restitution and a $200 financial assessment due to his participation in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.  Jon Schaffer and other rebellions stormed the U.S. Capitol and the musician was armed with a spray against bears. Two days after the attack, he surrendered to the authorities and started to cooperate with them. The guitarist made his first public statement after the attack. He said this case had a very bad impact on his reputation, his family and friends and his whole life. Schaffer’s attorney Marc Victor said that the musician believed the 2020 election was fraudulent and that the country was “on the verge of a takeover” when he entered the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Schaffer said in his statement that he regrets his actions on January 6, 2021.

“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.”

The artist apologized to his fans for disappointing them and thanked the fans who continue to support him. He said that he became a member of the church and it inspired him to write new music. He said that he wishes to continue to use his art to unite people and never to divide them.