Jon Schaffer of Iced Earth Arrested After Capitol Siege

Iced Earth's Jon Schaffer is facing six federal charges stemming from his alleged involvement during the siege on the U.S. Capitol earlier this month. Schaffer did surrender to the FBI. The charges Schaffer faces are:

1. Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority

2. Disrupting the Orderly Conduct of Government Business

3. Knowingly Engages in an Act of Physical Violence Against any Person or Property in any Restricted Building or Grounds

4. Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building

5. Engage in an Act of Physical Violence in a Capitol Building

6. Parade, Demonstrate, or Picket in a Capitol Building

*Jon Schaffer, guitarist for heavy metal band Iced Earth, is arrested on 6 federal charges in Capitol riot.
*Charges include: physical violence in a Capitol building, disrupting conduct of gov’t & violent entry.
*FBI says he used “bear spray” on officers. https://t.co/WtMTgmjpq3 pic.twitter.com/pZvZINCcZG

— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) January 18, 2021

Photos: Iced Earth’s Jon Schaffer Carrying ‘Bear Spray’ During Capitol Riot https://t.co/sGsnnstu9l

— MetalSucks (@metalsucks) January 18, 2021

Jon Schaffer, Columbus, IN, has been arrested in connection to Jan 6 incident at the U.S. Capitol. Schaffer faces 6 charges including engaging in an act of physical violence in a Capitol building. Schaffer was allegedly among rioters who sprayed Capitol police with "bear spray."

— FBI Indianapolis (@FBIIndianapolis) January 18, 2021

Comments

[bkallday]

This gives heavy metal a bad name. Iced Earth is actually power metal and C-league power metal at that. I dont gaff about his politics but i have a feeling this is gonna make it tough for Mr. Schaffer to ever tour internationally again. Im sure they have some fans over in Scandanavia or Turkey, or somewhere like that, who will be in their feelings about this news. Over here in America, most ppl are like who?

[Jeff]

As of today the band has been dropped by their label and all merch has been scrubbed off the website. Actions have consequences regardless of beliefs.

[Him]

I wonder what Ripper has to say? I'd ask him, but his business is closed and he is in the middle of recording a dozen albums with super groups scattered hither and yon.

Seriously, though, this is a bummer for the rest of the band. Some of them made some iffy statements, some suggesting a bit of shuffling and back-tracking, while all of this was going on. But the fact remains: _his_ decisions impact others in _his_ band. And for those in the band who didn't sign up for this sort of pumpkin ride, that sucks. Then again, Schaffer hasn't been exactly quiet about his beliefs. So one wonders how much of a shock this should be to band mates, family, friends, and fans alike.

Respectfully, bkiallday, why don't you gaff about his politics? Really, just curious. And, yes, don't answer if you don't want to do so. Obviously, I don't like to discuss politics on this site.

Iced Earth. The malt liquor you are now embarrassed you drank. Perhaps they should go back to the name Purgatory. It sorta' fits better now.

[steverox]

Don't know them ... don't really have any desire to get to know them ... but damn, Iced Earth is a great name for a band!!!

[bkallday]

All i meant was that he is open to be a fan of whatever politics he so chooses, and it doesn't bother me either way which he picks. A person should be judged by their character, not by their beliefs or appearance. At least imho.

[Him]

Appreciate the response, bkallday. Truly do.

I suppose I have a slightly different take on things (go figure, right?!?!). To my mind, beliefs inform character. Granted, it gets a bit dicey when you start to parse out what constitutes 'good' beliefs. And I take your point about appearance. Some of the nicest looking people are vile and some of the most slovenly are the kindest. The whole 'book by the cover' thing, I guess.

Thanks again. I really do like hearing what other people think about topics like this. And I really respect the fact that we can talk about differing POVs.