Judge Scolds ‘QAnon Shaman’ for Comments Made During Interview With ’60 Minutes+’
A federal judge is scolding Jacob Chansley, the man known as the “QAnon Shaman,” for remarks he made during an interview with “60 Minutes+.” “Defendant’s perception of his actions on January 6th as peaceful, benign, and…
A federal judge is scolding Jacob Chansley, the man known as the “QAnon Shaman,” for remarks he made during an interview with “60 Minutes+.”
“Defendant’s perception of his actions on January 6th as peaceful, benign, and well-intentioned shows a detachment from reality,” the judge wrote in a decision to deny a pretrial release of Chansley.
They pointed to a quote from the interview where Chansley defended his actions.
“I was peaceful. I was civil. I was calm. I said a prayer and I sang a song,” Chansley said.
In case you missed it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osb7X6tAwpc
The judge also noted Chansley was asked to characterize his actions on the day of the electoral certification.
“I sang a song and that’s a part of shamanism. It’s about creating positive vibrations in a sacred chamber,” Chansley said.
The judge acknowledged Chansley expressed remorse over his decision to enter the Capitol building.
“I regret entering that building. I regret entering that building with every fiber of my being,” Chansley said during the interview.
“Defendant was not charged with simple trespass. In addition to being charged with entering and remaining in a restricted building, defendant was also charged with civil disorder, obstructing an official proceeding, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building, violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building,” the judge wrote.
They continued, “If the defendant does not understand the severity of the allegations against him, the Court finds no reason to believe he would not commit the same or similar actions again.”