Musician and Columbus native Jon Schaffer faces 6 charges in Capitol Riot – WISH-TV | Indianapolis News | Weather Indiana

(WISH) – Jon Schaffer, originally from Indiana and guitarist of Iced Earth, faces several charges in connection with the insurgency on the U.S. Capitol.

The Columbus, Indiana musician surrendered to authorities at around 3 p.m. on Sunday, the FBI confirms.

The FBI Indianapolis said Sunday night: “Jon Schaffer, Columbus, IN, was arrested in connection with the Jan. 6 incident at the US Capitol. Schaffer faces 6 counts, including that of committing an act of physical violence in a Capitol building. Schaffer was reportedly among the rioters who sprayed the Capitol police with ‘bear spray’.

Schaffer is accused of:

• Knowingly entering or remaining in a building or on restricted land without legal authorization
• Disrupt the smooth running of government affairs
• Knowingly commits an act of physical violence against any person or property in any building or restricted property
• Violent entry and disorderly conduct into a Capitol building
• Engage in an act of physical violence in a Capitol building
• Parade, demonstration or picketing in a Capitol building

After being photographed during the January 6 riot, Schaffer was quickly identified as a member of the Iced Earth group.

In the days following the riot, Iced Earth bassist Luke Appleton posted the group’s social media post condemning the riot and violence.

We would like to thank those of you who have sent words of support over the past few days. Some of you have been concerned about our silence, which we understand. It took some time to process the information properly and find out some facts before making a statement.

We absolutely DO NOT condone or support the riots or acts of violence in which the rioters were involved on January 6 on the United States Capitol. We hope that everyone involved that day will be brought to justice to be investigated and held accountable.

Heartbroken, we send our love and compassion to all who have felt the pain of the events of January 6. We are deeply saddened and our hearts go out to the families of the lives lost that day. There really are no proper words to console. Just know that we are with you in your shock, your grief and your pain. Much love to you all. Stu, Luke, Jake, Brent

Iced Earth was formed by Schaffer in 1985, according to the group’s website.