#Heavy metal guitarist charged for alleged role in Capitol riot

Jon Schaffer, center, a native of Central Indiana and founder of the heavy metal band Iced Earth, was photographed among a mob of people metal who stormed the Capitol.
AFP via Getty Images

A heavy metal guitarist accused of being among a group of Capitol rioters who sprayed police with “bear spray” was arrested on Sunday, according to the FBI.

Jon Schaffer, a founding member of a Florida-based heavy metal band called Iced Earth, is facing six charges, including engaging in an act of physical violence in a Capitol building, the FBI’s Indianapolis office tweeted.

Schaffer was first identified after his image appeared on an FBI poster seeking out rioters who “made unlawful entry” into the Capitol during the deadly Jan. 6 siege, the Indianapolis Star had reported.

He previously attended Trump rallies and once appeared as a guest on the radio show of far-right conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, the newspaper reported.

Schaffer’s four bandmates had put out a statement denouncing the riots.

“We hope that all those involved that day are brought to justice to be investigated and answer for their actions,” the statement read.

“With broken hearts we are sending our love and compassion to everyone who has felt pain from the events on January 6th.”