QAnon ‘Shaman’ released from prison

Jacob Chansley, the January 6 rioter who became known as the “QAnon Shaman” has been released from prison early in the US.

The “QAnon Shaman” — who became notorious by storming the US Capitol shirtless in a horned coyote-fur headdress on January 6, 2021 — has been released from prison 14 months early and moved to a halfway house in Phoenix, prison officials said on Thursday local time.

Jacob Chansley became the poster boy for January 6 insurrectionists. Picture: AFP

Jacob Chansley, 35, who became the poster boy of Capitol insurrectionists, had been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in federal prison but served just over two years, according to the US federal Bureau of Prisons, reports the New York Post.

Jacob Chansley pleaded guilty to civil disorder and violent entry to the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Picture: Supplied

“It is appropriate this gentle and intelligent young man be permitted to move forward with the next stage of what undoubtedly will be a law abiding and enriching life,” Mr Chansley’s former lawyer Albert Watkins told Lawandcrime.com

Jacob Chansley is escorted from the US Capitol by police. Picture: Supplied

“I applaud the decision of the US Bureau of Prison in this regard,” he said in a statement.

In September 2021, Mr Chansley, who had been held in custody since the January 6 insurrection, pleaded guilty to civil disorder and violent entry to the US Capitol.

Jacob Chansley says he no longer supports Donald Trump. Picture: AFP

His release comes just weeks after new video evidence emerged showing Capitol police escorting Chansley down the halls of the building and through the doors of the US Senate, prompting Mr Watkins to demand his one-time client be freed.

The footage drew scepticism about whether “The Shaman” was in fact ever violent during his entry of the Capital — though it was not clear what led to his early release.

Mr Chansley, who suffers from mental health problems, served 11 months in solitary confinement during his prison stint, according to Watkins.

Jacob Chansley is surrounded by police on January 6, 2021. Picture: Supplied

He is now living in a Residential Reentry Center in Phoenix, according to prison records.

Mr Chansley was among the first rioters to enter the Capitol with fellow supporters of former President Donald Trump. He left a menacing note on Vice President Mike Pence’s Senate desk declaring, “Justice is coming,” according to prosecutors.

He has since said he no longer supports Mr Trump.

In May 2021, he was ordered by a judge to undergo a psychological evaluation, and has said he believes he’s “directly related to Jesus and Buddha,” Mr Watkins said at the time.

Officials have not commented on details surrounding Mr Chansley’s release.

– with the New York Post

Originally published as QAnon ‘Shaman’ released from prison