Jacob Chansley, a right-wing activist known as the “QAnon shaman” for his horned headdress and red, white and blue face paint, was released early from prison. His lawyer says he will be living in a halfway house.
In November 2021, Chansley received a 41-month federal prison sentence for his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot. But after Fox News host Tucker Carlson aired footage of him walking around the building unimpeded by police, Chansley’s sentence was reduced.
The shaman’s release
Jacob Chansley – the QAnon shaman who went global after rioting at the US Capitol in January 2021 – was released early from prison and moved to a halfway house. CBS News Congressional Correspondent Scott MacFarlane reports that the 35-year-old former Navy veteran and one of the most visible rioters has been transferred to a Phoenix halfway house with a projected release date of May 25.
Originally sentenced to 41 months in November 2021, Chansley earned a 15-percent reduction for good behavior. He served 27 months of that sentence, before he was moved to a “residential reentry management” facility in Phoenix, where he will likely be released on May 25, according to federal records.
Albert Watkins, Chansley’s attorney, stated that it’s fitting for this kind and intelligent young man to move ahead into the next phase of a undoubtedly law-abiding and fulfilling life.
Chansley’s lawyer says it’s “appropriate”
Chansley’s lawyer, Al Watkins, said in a statement that it was “appropriate” for the shaman to be released early. Federal inmates are sometimes able to receive shortened sentences due to good behavior.
Chansley served 27 months of his 41-month sentence before he was transferred to a halfway house in Phoenix, according to the Bureau of Prisons. He will be released on May 25.
A representative for the Bureau of Prisons told Insider that Chansley was in a residential reentry center, which is part of its program to help inmates prepare to reenter society. He will also receive credit under the First Step Act for time spent in jail, he added.
Chansley’s release closely followed the debut of previously concealed security video footage showing police courteously escorting him around the Capitol on January 6. The video was presented by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, and conservative news host Tucker Carlson used it to fuel calls for his release.
Chansley’s mother says she’s happy
The infamous QAnon shaman jacob chansley was released early from prison and moved to a halfway house, federal officials and his lawyer confirmed Thursday. Chansley was convicted of obstructing an official proceeding and served 27 months of his 41-month sentence, federal court records show.
Chansley became the image of the January 6 Capitol riot, entering the building shirtless and wearing face paint and horns. His picture was shown to millions of viewers, including Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
Federal prosecutors have cited specific details from Chansley’s invasion of the Capitol to argue against his release. They cite his actions as evidence he was planning to kidnap, restrain or try to execute members of the United States government.
Chansley’s future
Chansley was released early from prison to a halfway house, months before his sentence was due to expire. He was incarcerated for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
He wore face paint and horns as he marched through the halls of Congress during the riot. He was later dubbed the “QAnon Shaman” for his horned headdress.
Online right-wing groups, driven by Trump’s criticism and selective Fox News footage, supported Chansley’s release, framing him as a Capitol visitor guided by police.
A Bureau of Prisons spokesman confirmed to CBS News that Chansley was transferred to a residential re-entry management center. He is scheduled to leave the facility in May, according to BOP records.
