The individual widely recognized as the “QAnon Shaman” for his conspicuous role in the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol is now making a bid for Congress. Jacob Chansley has taken steps to run as a libertarian in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, as indicated by the paperwork he has filed.
Chansley gained notoriety during the January 6 riot for donning a horned fur hat, red, white, and blue face paint, and occupying the Senate chamber. His distinctive appearance and association with the QAnon conspiracy theory made him a symbol of the Capitol attack.
Having pleaded guilty to a felony charge of obstructing an official proceeding in connection to the Capitol assault, Chansley received a 41-month prison sentence in November 2021. He was subsequently released to a halfway house in March.
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It’s noteworthy that despite previously identifying as the “QAnon Shaman,” Chansley has reportedly distanced himself from the QAnon movement in the time that has elapsed since the Capitol attack. This move to disavow QAnon may be a strategic shift as he pursues political aspirations, considering the controversial and fringe nature of the conspiracy theory.
Who is Jacob Chansley?
Jacob Chansley, often referred to as the “QAnon Shaman,” gained widespread attention for his prominent role in the storming of the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. The self-proclaimed shaman became an iconic figure due to his distinctive appearance, including a horned Viking helmet, face paint, and a bearskin headdress.
Chansley’s allegiance to the QAnon conspiracy theory was evident in his attire, which featured QAnon symbols and imagery associated with the movement. QAnon is a baseless conspiracy theory that falsely claims a secret cabal of satanic pedophiles controls the world, and some of its adherents were involved in the Capitol riot.
Following the events of January 6, Jacob Chansley was arrested and faced several charges, including violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. In July 2021, he pleaded guilty to obstructing the certification of the Electoral College results, acknowledging his active participation in the riot.
During his court appearances, Chansley’s defense attorneys argued that he had been duped by false claims made by former President Donald Trump, who had promoted unfounded allegations of election fraud. Chansley’s legal team portrayed him as a vulnerable individual who genuinely believed he was acting on Trump’s behalf.
