Enlarge image
Central Indiana native Jon Schaffer, founder of heavy metal band Iced Earth, was photographed among a crowd of metal people storming the Capitol.
AFP via Getty Images
A heavy metal guitarist accused of being part of a group of Capitol rioters who sprayed “bear spray” on police was arrested on Sunday, the FBI said.
Jon Schaffer, one of the founders of a Florida-based heavy metal band called Iced Earth, is facing six charges, including physical assault in a Capitol building, the FBI’s Indianapolis office. tweeted.
Schaffer was first identified after his image appeared on an FBI poster to track down rioters who “illegally entered the Capitol” during the January 6 deadly siege, the Indianapolis Star had reported.
He previously attended Trump rallies and once appeared as a guest on the radio show of far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, the paper reported.
Schaffer’s four band members had issued a statement denouncing the riots.
“We hope that all those involved will be brought to trial that day to be investigated and accountable for their actions,” the statement read.
“With heartbreak, we send our love and compassion to everyone who has felt pain from the events of January 6th.”