Capitol riot defendant pleads guilty, will cooperate with government

Capitol riot defendant pleads guilty, will cooperate with government

Politico reports:

Jon Schaffer, a heavy metal guitarist and self-described “lifetime member” of the Oath Keepers, on Friday became the first Capitol rioter to plead guilty to charges based on his participation in the attack and has entered into a cooperation agreement with the government.

The move from Schaffer came at an unannounced proceeding before U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta on Friday morning. During a lengthy plea dialogue with Metha, Schaffer acknowledged that the deal requires him to “cooperate fully with the United States,” from sitting for interviews to providing any evidence he has of known crimes. As part of the agreement, the Justice Department has offered to sponsor Schaffer for the witness protection program, Mehta noted.

Schaffer, who was seen on camera deploying chemical spray at officers, pleaded guilty to charges that he obstructed Congress’ effort to certify the 2020 election results and that he unlawfully entered a restricted building. [Continue reading…]

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