Enlarge image
Capitol attacker Chansley
Photo: JOEL MARKLUND / imago images / Bildbyran
The "QAnon shaman" Jacob Anthony Chansley, who became known with his buffalo horn-tipped fur hat during the attack on the US Capitol in January, pleaded guilty to obstructing the proceedings of the US Congress in court.
"Yes, Your Honor," the defendant said in court in Washington, declaring himself the most serious of six charges.
This offense can be jailed for up to 20 years.
Chansley's attorney Albert Watkins pleaded for indulgence for his client and demanded his release until the verdict was announced: "He has no previous convictions, he was not a planner, he was not violent." According to the prosecutor's office, Chansley faces between 41 and 51 months in prison.
The self-proclaimed "shaman" and supporter of the QAnon conspiracy theory was arrested a few days after the Capitol was attacked.
The verdict against him is due to be pronounced on November 17th.
Radical supporters of the elected President Donald Trump stormed the Congress on January 6th, when the victory of the Democrat Joe Biden in the presidential election in November was to be certified there.
Five people died during or shortly after the attack.
In addition, two police officers committed suicide in the following weeks.
Attorney Watkins said before the hearing that his client is now opposed to the QAnon movement.
He is a "non-violent, peaceful man with real psychological problems" that have made him "more susceptible to conspiracy theories."
mfu / AFP