Federal Judge Rules to Keep “QAnon Shaman” in Jail Until Trial

A federal judge Royce Lamberth has ruled that the “QAnon Shaman” is to remain in jail pending trial for his actions during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S Capitol. The judge ruled that Jacob Chansley is still a threat to the public.

“QAnon Shaman” Says He’s Glad He Took Part on Riots

Chansley was arrested in January and initially pleaded not guilty to the charges of civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding, violent entry, and disorderly conduct. He is described by federal prosecutors as being a leader within the QAnon conspiracy movement.

The QAnon conspiracies allege that former president Donald Trump was fighting against a worldwide cabal of powerful pedophiles, which includes prominent politicians in the United States government.

Chansley’s lawyer argued that his client should not be held in jail due to coronavirus restrictions and the fact that President-Elect Joe Biden has successfully assumed office. He argues that Chansley cannot get the vaccine for religious reasons and, as such, it is “impossible” for them to talk together in private in jail.

Judge Lamberth focused on accusations that Chansley was wielding a dangerous weapon as he was holding a flagpole with an end sharpened like a spear. He also says that given Chansley was unwilling to cooperate with law enforcement on the scene, there was no guarantee that he would show up to court as ordered.

Chansley also made threatening comments on social media during the riot, including threats to hang “traitors.” Some of these threats were aimed at former Vice President Mike Pence. He also called the FBI after the insurrection attempt where he said he was glad to take part and called Mike Pence a “child trafficking traitor.”