Jon Schaffer Sentenced for Capitol Riot Role

Jon Schaffer, guitarist for Iced Earth, has been sentenced to three years of supervised probation and 120 hours of community service for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He will also pay $1,000 in restitution and a $200 assessment fee, which is less than the $2,000 initially sought by the U.S. government. Schaffer, a member of the far-right militia Oath Keepers, was one of the first to breach the Capitol, armed with bear spray and wearing a tactical vest. His sentence reflects his cooperation with authorities, including providing substantial assistance that contributed to other prosecutions. Schaffer expressed regret for his actions, citing concerns about the state of the country leading up to the riot. The sentence was influenced by a recent Supreme Court ruling and the government's recommendation for probation instead of prison time.