A widely-distributed photo was posted on the D.C. Metropolitan Police site under “Persons of Interest in Unrest-Related Offenses.” In the image, a person resembling Schaffer can be seen pointing angrily at a camera with his index finger extended as he and dozens of others invade the Capitol building.
The outspoken co-founder of the Tampa, Florida metal band has been identified by numerous outlets by his signature grey beard, left wrist tattoos that include “1776” and an American flag, as well as an Oath Keepers baseball hat from the group the Southern Poverty Law Center has described as a far-right anti-government militia organization.
“We absolutely DO NOT condone nor do we support riots or the acts of violence that the rioters were involved in on January 6th at the US Capitol building. We hope that all those involved that day are brought to justice to be investigated and answer for their actions,” said the note from the group, which was signed by singer Block, bassist Appleton, lead guitarist Jake Dreyer and drummer Brent Smedley; Schaffer’s name was not attached to the statement condemning the attack, which resulted in the deaths of five people, including a U.S. Capitol police officer.
The shocking incident has drawn condemnation from both sides of the political aisle, as well as calls for Trump to be impeached a second time or removed from office using the 25th amendment.
Schaffer, an avowed Trump supporter who has worn Confederate flag bandanas on stage and who has claimed that COVID-19 is a “psychological warfare campaign on the people more than it is a serious pandemic,” also reportedly attended another protest rally at the U.S. Capitol in November.
A spokesperson for the group had not returned requests for comment at press time.
In the days since the attack dozens of people have been arrested across the country, including 13 who’ve been charged in federal court in D.C. with crimes including making interstate threats against Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful entry, weapons possession, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds and theft of public money, property, or records.
