Iced Earth founder Jon Schaffer was not too long ago sentenced to a few years of probation, 120 hours of group service, and also will need to pay $1,000 in restitution and a $200 monetary evaluation on account of his participation within the January 6, 2021 rebellion on the U.S. Capitol. Schaffer initially confronted a slew of extraordinarily critical expenses, however in the end had it tamped down on account of his cooperation with legislation enforcement.
Schaffer has now issued a full assertion on his life between January 6, 2021 and current day by way of Attorneys For Freedom Legislation Agency. Schaffer expressed deep remorse for his actions on January 6, noting that he is discovered methods to higher himself within the interim. The next is Schaffer‘s assertion, revealed in full.
“I profoundly remorse my actions on January 6th, 2021,” wrote Schaffer. “I have never been an ideal man, however for almost all of my life, I have been a really productive man, and have tried to dwell my life with integrity and a disciplined work ethic. I deeply love our nation and the founding rules which have impressed folks from all around the world to take a look at the USA as a beacon of hope for all of humanity. Having traveled the world for over 30 years and having carried out in roughly 100 international locations, it was at all times an awesome feeling and aid when the airplane would safely land at residence on US soil.
“When the worldwide pandemic came across us, and chaos ensued throughout the US in 2020, I used to be very involved about what gave the impression to be a collapse of our nation and the rule of legislation. When the 2020 election befell and I noticed many public officers and media retailers reporting that the election was stolen, my concern deepened. This led to my determination to go to D.C. and have my voice heard. I am not excusing my impulsive habits. I used to be incorrect, and I take possession of my actions. I personal the truth that I made an enormous mistake, and I want I by no means would have gone there. In reality, the implications have been devastating on my life, household, buddies, enterprise, colleagues and enterprise companions.
“I knew instantly that I had let my feelings get the most effective of me and made a horrible mistake. I drove residence to Indiana the next morning on Thursday, January 7th, 2021. On the 8th I discovered my attorneys, and at my request they instantly reached out to the authorities. I willingly surrendered and cooperated with authorities. Initially, I used to be charged with a number of critical federal felony offenses and feared I could spend the remainder of my life in jail. I spent a number of months in custody following my self-surrender. I used to be positioned in solitary confinement with horrendous situations, which was a particularly traumatic expertise. I grew to become the primary individual of the lots of of co-defendants to enter a responsible plea, and have now been sentenced to probation.
“Till now, I’ve resisted the robust urge to problem a public assertion on account of my ongoing cooperation and the desires of federal authorities. This prolonged interval of silence has added extra challenges to my life as a public individual. Because the starting, I wished to specific my regret for my actions and tackle the reliable considerations of my followers worldwide. I watched as one media outlet after the following dragged my fame by way of the mud and condemned me for not making any assertion. Nonetheless, I attempted to be as productive as potential in lieu of my very broken fame and profession.
“This entire scenario has been extraordinarily troublesome. Nonetheless, I do know that I’ve change into a greater man due to it. I used to remain so busy that I did not have a lot time for self-reflection. Within the final three and a half years that is largely what I’ve performed. I’ve change into a member of an exquisite church and improved myself spiritually, mentally, and bodily. This private revival has impressed me to proceed writing and recording music. I am sure there shall be a really constructive outlook in my future inventive creations.
“To my followers who’ve continued to assist me all through this deeply embarrassing ordeal, I wish to apologize for letting you down and thanks for protecting me going. To these followers who I’ve misplaced on account of my selections that day, I actually perceive. I humbly ask everybody to permit me to reveal by way of my actions how far I’ve come. I want to proceed to make use of my artwork to unite folks, and by no means to divide.
“Sincerely, Jon Schaffer“
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