ICED EARTH guitarist Jon Schaffer can apparently be seen in newly released security footage from the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot that the House impeachment managers obtained and submitted as evidence for former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial.
The clip in question, which was released by CNN on Monday (February 15), shows rioters charging through a breached entrance and engaging and pushing officers. A man resembling Schaffer can be seen near the front of the mob, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, a tactical vest and black leather fingerless tactical gloves, and pointing his finger while yelling at the officers. (See video below.)
Last month, Schaffer was arrested for his role in the riot at the U.S. Capitol. The 52-year-old musician, who resides in Edinburgh, Indiana, is facing six federal criminal charges after he was accused of spraying a police officer with a pepper-based bear repellant during the insurrection.
Schaffer waived his preliminary hearing as well as his rights to an identity hearing and production of a warrant in late January in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana, court documents state. He will soon be transported by a United States marshal to Washington, D.C. where government lawyers and Schaffer’s legal team have mutually agreed to handle all proceedings.
Schaffer is entitled to a hearing on the issue of pretrial detention upon his arrival in D.C., court documents said.
Last month, government lawyers asked the judge to not offer Schaffer a bond when he goes in front of U.S. magistrate.
Schaffer must prove to the federal magistrate that he is not a threat to himself or the public before being released on bail. Others who have been charged for insurrection at the Capitol have been given bail but ordered to surrender their firearms, avoid contact with other alleged Capitol rioters and stay away from all state capitol buildings. Some other alleged rioters have been prohibited from using social media and participating in any political rallies.
Just hours after ICED EARTH singer Stu Block and bassist Luke Appleton announced their departures from the band yesterday, TMZ reached out to guitarist Jake Dreyer to get an update on his status with the group. Dreyer has officially distanced himself from the band, saying he is now focused solely on his other group WITHERFALL.
Schaffer is believed to be one of at least 400 people who are being investigated by FBI officials over their roles in the insurrection.
More than 230 criminal cases have been filed so far. Charges include unauthorized access, theft, damage to government property and assault on law enforcement officers.
Oran O’Beirne
www.overdrive.ie 2021
