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‘QAnon Shaman’ pleads guilty over his role in US Capitol riots

QAnon Shaman pleads guilty for part in Capitol riots
Jacob Chansley could face between 41 to 51 months behind bars for his felony charge

The man who branded himself a QAnon shaman and whose picture came to represent the US Capitol riots has pleaded guilty for his part in the violence.

Jacob Chansley, 33, who was seen inside the landmark building on January 6 wearing horns and face paint has admitted obstructing an official proceeding.

Hundreds of pro-Donald Trump supporters descended on Washington DC while Congress was certifying Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential victory.

Chansley is one of roughly 600 people have been charged for their roles in the uprising.

He could face a maximum sentence of 20 years but prosecutors have said he is more likely to be jailed for between 41 and 51 months – of which he has already served eight.

Chansley also admitted being part of the first 30 rioters who charged into the 221-year-old building. Five people died in the chaos while hundreds, including police officers, were injured.

Photos of the distinctive-looking Chansley appeared in coverage across the world following the events.

Bare-chested, he wore a pair of horns, had the US flag painted on his face and shouted into a bullhorn, calling former vice-president Mike Pence a ‘traitor’ – presumably for helping to certify Joe Biden as president.

Jacob Chansley inside the US Capitol building. The 'QAnon Shaman' (Jacob Chansley) has pleaded guilty for his part in the pro-Donald Trump US Capitol riots.
Chansley’s picture came to become representative of the US Capitol riots in news and social media (Picture: AP)
Jacob Chansley in horns holding a sign that reads: 'Q sent me!'. The 'QAnon Shaman' (Jacob Chansley) has pleaded guilty for his part in the pro-Donald Trump US Capitol riots.
Chansley has clearly subscribed to the far-right QAnon conspiracy theory which some have described as ‘cult-like’ (Picture: Reuters)

The Arizona man left a note for Mr Pence, telling him: ‘It’s only a matter of time, justice is coming.’ He also made a social media post promoting hangings for traitors in November.

Chansley was also seen holding a sign referencing the far-right QAnon conspiracy theory, which alleges Donald Trump is fighting a war against elitist Satan-worshipping paedophiles in politics and business.

The rioter has been in solitary confinement for the majority of his time behind bars and this has had a negative effect on his mental health, his lawyer Albert Watkins said.

He was sent to a mental health facility in Colorado to assess whether he had any conditions which would diminish his responsibilities but he was classed as mentally competent.

Before his guilty plea on Friday, Chansley said: ‘I am very appreciative for the court’s willingness to have my mental vulnerabilities examined.’

US District Judge Royce Lamberth is currently considering Chansley’s request to be released from jail while he waits to be sentenced on November 17.

Arguing for this, Mr Watkins said: ‘Mr Chansley has zero criminal history, we do know that he was not a planner (of the unrest), he was not violent.’

Around 50 others have also pleaded guilty to committing crimes during the US Capitol riots but most of these have been for misdemeanour charges.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

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