PHOENIX — An Arizona man who participated in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol while sporting face paint, no shirt and a furry hat with horns now says he regrets storming the building and expressed disappointment with former President Donald Trump.
In a statement released late Monday through his attorney, Jacob Chansley, also known to some as QAnon Shaman, said he has re-evaluated his life since being jailed on charges stemming from the riot.
“I deeply regret and am very sorry I entered into the Capitol Building on January 6, 2021. I should not have been there. Period,” Chansley, also known as Jake Angeli, said in the statement.
“I was wrong. Period,” the statement said.
Chansley’s attorney, Al Watkins, said his client’s apology wasn’t self-serving, but rather a genuine expression of culpability.
Chansley faces a six-count federal indictment, including two felonies and four misdemeanors:
- Civil disorder
- Obstruction of an official proceeding
- Entering and remaining in a restricted building
- Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building
- Violent entry and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building
- Parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol Building
Chansley was among hundreds of pro-Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol as Congress was meeting to vote to certify Joe Biden’s win.
