‘QAnon Shaman’ Jacob Chansley Pleads Guilty In Capitol Insurrection Case

Self-proclaimed “QAnon Shaman” Jacob Chansley pleaded guilty on Friday to charges related to his involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, according to court records.

The six federal crimes Chansley is charged with include felonies for civil disorder and obstructing congressional proceedings.

Chansley’s attorney Al Watkins released a statement on the matter. “The path charted by Mr. Chansley since January 6 has been a process, one which has involved pain, depression, solitary confinement, introspection, recognition of mental health vulnerabilities and a coming to grips with the need for more self-work,” Watkins said.

Though Chansley’s attorneys have pushed to get him out of jail since January, D.C. District Judge Royce Lamberth has repeatedly ruled that he is too dangerous to release. “Defendant characterizes himself as a peaceful person who was welcomed into the Capitol building on January 6th by police officers,” the judge said. “The Court finds none of his many attempts to manipulate the evidence and minimize the seriousness of his actions persuasive.”

Chansley, who has become a well-known figure among far-right conspirators, is apparently preparing to step back from the QAnon community.

Watkins said on Thursday that Chansley is “seeking, as part of his reconciliation of where he is today, to step away and distance himself from the Q vortex.”

Article by Elizabeth Letsou