‘QAnon Shaman’ wants the FBI to return his infamous horned helmet
If he gets the headpiece back, he is debating wearing it as he campaigns as a Congressional candidate
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jacob Chansley, better known as the “QAnon Shaman” who stormed the Capitol on January 6, is now asking for the government to return his signature horned headdress.
“They’re keeping it like it’s evidence,” Chansley told The Daily Beast. “The case is over, so there’s no reason for them to continue holding onto it.”
“It’s rather upsetting that they’re not doing what the government is supposed to do and returning the property,” said Chansley, who has been well-acquainted with the government as of late.
Chansley pleaded guilty to a charge of obstructing a federal proceeding in connection to the Capitol attack, resulting in a 41-month prison sentence in November 2021. But after showing good behaviour, he was transferred to a halfway house in Arizona, meaning he only ended up serving 27 months in prison.
The former fur-covered insurrectionist told the outlet that he had purchased the headdress long before deciding to storm the Capitol: “Dude, I’ve been dressing that way for over 10 years.”
In his sentencing memorandum, Mr Chansley’s then-lawyer described “the images” of his client as becoming “inextricably linked to” the events of the Capitol riot: “they have become to January 6 what the Swoosh is to Nike.”
The former rioter told the outlet that the FBI took the signature headpiece when he turned himself in days after the riot: “I had it with me in the car…They just took it.”
He added, “They gave my mom the car back shortly after the investigation was over, but they refused to give me my headdress and my staff and my phone and my pants,” he said. “So what’s up with that?”
In November, Mr Chansley filed a statement of interest in running for Congress as a Libertarian in his home state of Arizona in 2024.
The Daily Beast asked him whether he plans on wearing the headdress — if he gets it back — on the campaign trail. Mr Chansley said he’s not sure of the reaction it would stir up.
“There’s been mixed emotions about it,” he told the outlet. “People say that I’m not being taken seriously. Other people are like, ‘Oh, I fricking love it!’”
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments