(WISH) – Jon Schaffer, an Indiana native and guitarist for Iced Earth, faces several charges related to the US Capitol insurrection.
The Columbus, Indiana, musician surrendered to the authorities at about 3 pm on Sunday, confirms the FBI.
The Indianapolis FBI on Sunday night said: “Jon Schaffer, Columbus, IN, was arrested in connection with the January 6 incident at the United States Capitol. Schaffer faces 6 charges, including involvement in an act of physical violence in a Capitol building. Schaffer was reportedly among the protesters who sprayed the Capitol police with ‘bear spray’ ”.
Schaffer is responsible for:
- Consciously entering or staying in any restricted building or land without legal authority
- Disturb the orderly conduct of government affairs
- Consciously participates in an act of physical violence against any person or property in any building or restricted land
- Violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building
- Engage in an act of physical violence in a Capitol building
- Parade, demonstration or picket in a Capitol building
After being photographed in the January 6 riot, Schaffer was quickly identified as a member of the band Iced Earth.
In the days following the turmoil, Iced Earth bassist Luke Appleton posted a message from the band on social media condemning the turmoil and violence.
We want to thank all those who have sent words of support in the past few days. Some of you are concerned about our silence, which we understand. We need some time to properly process the information and find out some facts before we make a statement.
We absolutely DO NOT tolerate or support riots or acts of violence in which the protesters were involved on January 6 in the United States Capitol building. We hope that everyone involved on that day will be brought to justice for investigation and accountability for their actions.
With a broken heart, we are sending our love and compassion to everyone who has felt the pain of the events of January 6. We are deeply sad and our best wishes to the families of the lives lost that day. In fact, there are no suitable words to console. Just know that we are with you in your shock, sadness and pain. Much love to you all. Stu, Luke, Jake, Brent
Iced Earth was formed by Schaffer in 1985, according to the band’s website.