Jan. 6 Insurrection Leader Cooperates with Prosecution

WASHINGTON -- One of the key insurrectionists during the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol turned state’s evidence in his guilty plea last week.

Jon Ryan Schaffer, a founding member of the right-wing Oath Keepers, was charged with Obstructing an Official Proceeding and Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon.

The “official proceeding” was the certification of the Electoral College vote by Congress that gave the presidential election victory to Joe Biden. The “dangerous weapon” referred to a toxic bear repellent spray.

Justice Department attorneys called Schaffer’s guilty plea and agreement to cooperate with their investigation a huge victory in trying to prosecute the insurrection’s leaders. So far, about 410 people have been charged with violating the law during the break-in at the Capitol.

Schaffer faces a recommended prison term of 41 to 51 months on the felony charges. However, prosecutors could get the sentence reduced if they are satisfied he is cooperating with them.

As part of the plea bargain in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Schaffer said he positioned himself “at the front of a large mob” that broke open doors on the west side of the Capitol. He admitted being one of the first six people to enter.

Schaffer was photographed inside the Capitol with a hat that said “Oath Keepers Lifetime Member.”

“Schaffer admits that his belief that the Electoral College results were fraudulent is not a legal justification for unlawfully entering the Capitol building and using intimidation to influence, stop, or delay the Congressional proceeding,” prosecutors said in a court filing.

The Oath Keepers, like the Proud Boys, are a network of self-styled militias that the federal government accuses of inciting anarchy.

For more information, contact The Legal Forum (www.legal-forum.net) at email: tramstack@gmail.com or phone: 202-479-7240.