I Profoundly Regret My Actions On January 6th, 2021

Iced Earth founder Jon Schaffer was recently sentenced to three 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 riot on the U.S. Capitol. Schaffer initially confronted a slew of extraordinarily severe prices, however finally had it tamped down on account of his cooperation with regulation 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, printed in full.

“I profoundly remorse my actions on January 6^th, 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 individuals from everywhere in the world to have 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 nations, it was all the time an amazing feeling and reduction 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 regulation. When the 2020 election passed off and I noticed many public officers and media retailers reporting that the election was stolen, my concern deepened. This led to my resolution 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. The truth is, the results have been devastating on my life, household, pals, enterprise, colleagues and enterprise companions.

“I knew instantly that I had let my feelings get one of the best of me and made a horrible mistake. I drove residence to Indiana the next morning on Thursday, January 7^th, 2021. On the 8^th 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 severe federal felony offenses and feared I’ll 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 a whole lot of co-defendants to enter a responsible plea, and have now been sentenced to probation.

“Till now, I’ve resisted the sturdy urge to challenge a public assertion on account of my ongoing cooperation and the needs of federal authorities. This prolonged interval of silence has added extra challenges to my life as a public individual. Because the starting, I needed to precise my regret for my actions and handle the official issues of my followers worldwide. I watched as one media outlet after the subsequent dragged my fame by means of the mud and condemned me for not making any assertion. Nevertheless, I attempted to be as productive as potential in lieu of my very broken fame and profession.

“This complete state of affairs has been extraordinarily troublesome. Nevertheless, I do know that I’ve grow to be 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 finished. I’ve grow to be 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 can be a really optimistic outlook in my future creative creations.

“To my followers who’ve continued to assist me all through this deeply embarrassing ordeal, I need to apologize for letting you down and thanks for retaining me going. To these followers who I’ve misplaced on account of my selections that day, I definitely perceive. I humbly ask everybody to permit me to display by means of my actions how far I’ve come. I want to proceed to make use of my artwork to unite individuals, and by no means to divide.

“Sincerely, Jon Schaffer“