‘QAnon Shaman’ pleads guilty to Capitol riot charge

Jacob Chansley, the Capitol rioter known as the “QAnon Shaman” pleaded guilty on Friday to a single felony charge in connection with the Jan. 6 attack. 

Chansley, 34, pleaded guilty in a Washington, D.C., federal court in a virtual hearing to obstruction of an official proceeding, according to court records. He will be sentenced on Nov. 17.

Chansley became one of the most recognizable figures from Jan. 6. He is seen in photos parading through the Capitol shirtless, wearing a hat with horns with his face painted red, white and blue. In a court filing, authorities said Chansley was among the first 30 rioters that entered the Capitol.

He allegedly entered the Senate gallery alone at about 2:52 p.m. after confronting a Capitol Police officer. While in the chamber, he scaled the Senate dais where then-Vice President Mike Pence had been presiding over the 2020 election certification proceedings before his evacuation. 

Six charges were originally brought against Chansley in connection with the riot, including the obstruction charge and a felony charge of civil disorder.

His guilty plea in court Friday was part of a larger deal struck with prosecutors in the case. The other five charges have been dismissed, according to court documents.

Chansley pleaded guilty to one of the most serious charges, which could have resulted in 20 years in prison, according to a report from CNN. Under the terms of the agreement, Chansley agreed to serve 41 to 51 months in prison. If the court decides to impose a fine, that penalty can range between $15,000 and $150,000.

Chansley has served about eight months in prison. 

Over 570 people have been arrested in connection with the riots that led to five deaths. Among them, 30 individuals have pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the riots.