There’s an old adage that goes “the wheels of justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine.” If there’s ever been an example in the metal world of justice taking fucking forever to take place, look no further than the case of Iced Earth guitarist turned insurrectionist Jon Schaffer. That motherfucker’s been the focus of a criminal case at the federal level since he was one of the many misguided fools that tried to overturn the 2020 election.
According to a report by The Republic, Schaffer was originally supposed to be sentenced for his involvement in the insurrection this Friday, August 2. However, due to a recent ruling from the Supreme Court that could have major implications in ongoing and already decided cases, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves requested that Schaffer’s sentencing be delayed to reassess how to move forward. Schaffer’s sentencing will now be held on September 13.
“The United States seeks a brief continuance to assess the impact of the (Supreme Court) decision. Such a continuance would not prejudice the defendant or the Court; to the contrary, it would help to ensure a uniform and consistent approach before each judge of the District and Circuit. The United States has consulted with the defense, and they do not oppose this continuance request.”
Ever since he was picked up by authorities, Schaffer’s spent time getting literal shit thrown at him in jail. As an apparent “founding lifetime member” of the military LARP/alt-right/fascist organization the Oath Keepers, Schaffer was the first person involved in the January 6 Capitol Riot case that managed to reach a plea deal with the government. Details of Schaffer’s case have been shared and used in three other cases involving his fellow Oath Keeper members. One of those leaders, Stewart Rhodes, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his involvement in the insurrection.
Schaffer has since admitted to entering the Capitol armed with bear repellent in an attempt to overturn the certification of the 2020 U.S. Presidential election, entered a guilty plea to two of the six charges brought against him after the riot: “Obstruction of an Official Proceeding” and “Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds with a Deadly or Dangerous Weapon.” The former charge carries a prison sentence of up to twenty years; the latter charge, ten years, although prosecutors and Schaffer’s attorneys agreed to recommend that his sentence be between three and a half and four and a half years in prison depending on the results of his cooperation.
Schaffer’s already had his sentencing moved before, with the most recent instance stemming from his having to get a medical procedure done. At the time, his representatives told U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta that there would be a recovery period necessary following the procedure.
It’ll be interesting to see what comes of Schaffer. Certainly there are people in the country that want to see him and the other rioters released, as they feel they’re “political prisoners.” More rational adults in the room see them for what they are — traitors.
Only time will tell if the legal system agrees.