Jon Schaffer’s Iced Earth bandmates: ‘We absolutely do not tolerate or support riots or acts of violence’

Jon Schafferin ICE LAND bandmates distanced themselves from the violence and destruction of property in the United States Capitol building on Wednesday (January 6). O ICE LAND guitarist and founder is among dozens of people sought after by FBI for breaking into the Capitol that day.

Early today, singer Stu Blockbass player Luke Appletondrummer Brent Smedley and guitarist Jake Dreyer released the following statement: “We want to thank all those of you who have sent words of support in the past few days. Some of you have been concerned about our silence, which we understand. We need some time to properly process the information and find out some facts beforehand. to make a statement.

“First, we DO NOT condone or support the disturbances or acts of violence in which the protesters were involved on January 6 in the US Capitol building. We hope that everyone involved that day will be brought to justice for investigation and accountability for their actions. actions.

“With a broken heart, we are sending our love and compassion to everyone who felt the pain of the January 6 events. We are deeply saddened and our hearts are with the families of the lives lost that day. There are really no words suitable for console. Just know that we are with you in your shock, sadness and pain. Much love to all of you.

“Stu, Lucas, Jake, Brent“

O FBIThe Washington field office released on Friday morning 40 photos of people suspected of illegal entry during a violent U.S. Capitol insurrection on Wednesday during the final recording of the Congressional vote for the 2020 general election. Among them is a photo of Schaffer taken by Roberto Schmidt of AFP. In the photo, Schaffer can be seen in front of a crowd, wearing a hat from the Oath Keepers, an anti-government militia group, pointing a finger while shouting at someone outside the frame.

Less than two months ago, Schaffer was interviewed by the German daily newspaper Die Welt in another show of support in Washington, DC President Donald Trump and protesting the results of the 2020 presidential elections. In the two-minute chat, the 52-year-old musician told the journalist Carolina Drüten: “A group of bandits and criminals kidnapped this country a long time ago. Now they are making a big move and that is not going to happen. And that is what it is. These are globalists. These are the scum of the earth. These are the criminals who they are behind all fraudulent currency fees, they are behind all wars, they are behind all shit, they are behind divide and conquer tactics, behind racial division. It’s all absurd, it’s all trash. People need to wake up and get out of the matrix, because they’re falling. They’ve moved. They’re messing with the wrong people here – trust me. And we needed it to be opened like this – open fraud, open theft. Because now we we see, and you will fall. Keep my words. “

He added: “I think this goes beyond President Trump. President Trump is a populist. He’s not the typical Republican. It is not the establishment. He’s not going to start wars all over the place, like they do. Which is funny – where are all the Democrats who went against the war? There is so much hatred for Trump, it’s just ridiculous. He’s been dealing with a criminal mafia that’s been in the shadows ruling the world, frankly, for a long time. They want to destroy our entire sovereignty and create a global government. We are not having this. We can still do business together, countries can still be at peace, but we are not going to merge into some globalist communist system. This will not happen. There will be a lot of blood spilled, if any – believe me. The American people will not accept this bullshit – once they understand what is really going on. So, this is where we are. Nobody wants that, but they are pushing us to a point where we have no choice. “

In 2009, Schaffer raised eyebrows when he released his CHILDREN OF FREEDOM project through an appearance on a radio show presented by the far right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

More recently, Schaffer expressed his controversial views on the coronavirus crisis during an interview with MetalSucksin “The Quarantinecast”, claiming that COVID-19 is “a psychological warfare campaign against people, rather than a serious pandemic.” Insinuating that a dark elite cabal is using a global crisis as a cover to profit and consolidate its power, Schaffer said: “I think there is a lot more going on than it looks here – in fact, I know there are. Legitimate doctors and scientists are being censored and banned from Youtube constantly. These are unbelievable levels of fraud. “

In September 2020 Facebook Live chat, Schaffer he said he did not trust his government. “I don’t give a damn if it’s an ‘R’ or a ‘D’ next to the person’s name,” he explained. “You cannot put your hope in a president or in a person, or in a mayor or governor or anything. You have to be there and actively pressure these people, tell them that you are paying attention. You are not paying attention, they’re going to steal you and steal everything. Your freedom too. Not just your money. They’re going to steal your fucking freedom. Because they’re a bunch of sick control freaks. ”

Block – previously TO ETERNITY – made his debut live with ICE LAND in November 2011.

ICE LANDthe last album of, “Incorruptible”, was launched in June 2017 via Century Media.