Heavy Metal Star Jon Schaffer’s SHOCKING Story Revealed! - Client Testimonial
Aug 22, 2025
Criminal defense attorneys Andrew Marcantel and Marc J. Victor sit with renowned heavy metal musician and political activist John Schaffer. Known for his role as the frontman and lead songwriter of Iced Earth—and other projects like Demons and Wizards and Sons of Liberty—Mr. Schaffer’s story goes beyond music.
The attorneys and Mr. Schaffer discuss themes of political philosophy, constitutional rights, legal overreach, and redemption following his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol events.
“I mean, The Attorneys For Freedom, it’s not just a really badass name. It’s a way of life here. And I can feel that and… for me, it was, ‘if I’m going down in flames, at least I know I’ve got fire-breathing freedom fighters on my side through this.’ And it gave me a level of comfort.”
-John Schaffer
Schaffer’s Political Beliefs
Mr. Schaffer explains that his political views are based on a deep respect for the U.S. Constitution and the core principles of individual liberty. Influenced by his father and his own study of American history, Mr. Schaffer rejects traditional partisan labels and instead follows a pro-freedom philosophy.
“I don’t like to get into the left-right part of this because that’s not really where my passion is. It’s pro-freedom.”
-John Schaffer
The attorneys and Mr. Schaffer challenge the modern left-right division, arguing that the real split is between those who defend individual rights and those who weaken them through political or government overreach. Attorney Victor compares the American Revolution to today’s acts of civil disobedience. He explains how the Founding Fathers were once called traitors for fighting tyranny but are now honored for defending liberty. He also critiques contemporary government overreach, contrasting it with the relatively minor grievances like the Boston Tea Party’s 2% tea tax.
“The left, the right, we’re not loyal to any of that stuff. We’re pro- freedom!”
-Attorney Marc. J. Victor
Governmental Overreach and Motivation
Mr. Schaffer states that his decision to attend the rally on January 6 was driven by concerns over election integrity, unchecked government power during the COVID-19 pandemic, and what he views as a two-tiered justice system. He highlights the selective enforcement that allowed large corporations to stay open while small businesses—like those in his family—had to close. He was upset by the violence and destruction during the 2020 protests, as well as what he saw as inadequate legal responses. This fueled his fear that the constitutional rule of law was breaking down, leading him to be there on a day he believed was historically significant.
“I literally thought, this was it. That the republic is collapsing… And that had me gravely concerned… The level of love that I have for this country – it really is deep, and it’s worth dying for. ”
-John Schaffer
Entry Into the Capitol
Mr. Schaffer explains that he attended the Trump rally on January 6 to hear Trump speak. He only moved toward the Capitol because he heard there would be other speakers, such as General Flynn. As he and his friend moved closer to the Capitol, they noticed tear gas canisters going off above.
“I go up the stairs… I thought there was grenades going off … I don’t know. But I’m getting more and more concerned. So, I’m charging up there to see what’s going on.”
-John Schaffer
He entered after seeing Capitol Police open a door for others and hearing reports of an old man being attacked inside. He was only persistent in getting in there because he wanted to help this old man. Mr. Schaffer did not take part in any destruction, nor did he physically confront officers.
Mr. Schaffer did, however, carry bear spray, which is considered a dangerous weapon under federal law. Although intended for self-defense against violent agitators (notably Antifa or BLM, as he stated), possessing such an item increased the charges against him. He states that his time inside the Capitol was short—around eight to nine minutes—and that it wasn’t planned for violence.
“The entire thing was captured on multiple surveillance cameras… And it confirms there was no acts of violence whatsoever.”
-Attorney Andrew Marcantel
Legal Representation and Federal Charges
Following the events, Mr. Schaffer faced several federal criminal charges, including unlawful entry with a deadly weapon and obstruction of an official proceeding. Due to intense media attention, Mr. Schaffer was placed into solitary confinement.
While searching for a lawyer, his ally, Tom Woods, introduced him to The Attorneys For Freedom Law Firm (AFF). AFF adopted a principled approach. We focused on transparency, cooperation, and mitigation. Notably, a cooperation agreement allowed Mr. Schaffer to explain his limited role, which helped achieve a more favorable resolution. Attorney Victor states that, contrary to assumptions based on Mr. Schaffer’s Oath Keepers cap, he was not involved in any orchestrated plan or conspiracy.
Sentencing and Redemption
Although facing a potential sentence of over 20 years for an obstruction statute, the court of appeals said that it was an overreach beyond what it intended. As a result, the attorneys were able to put Mr. Schaffer in a better position.
“The statute basically said if you obstruct a formal governmental proceeding, we can charge you with this very serious crime. So, the prosecutors decided, let’s charge the January 6 codefendants with this.”
-Attorney Andrew Marcantel
Mr. Schaffer ultimately received probation instead of additional prison time. The judge recognized his remorse, absence of violent intent, and longstanding contributions to the music industry. He recalls the courtroom being filled with supporters, family, friends, and fans who spoke to his character. A comprehensive mitigation report further illustrated Mr. Schaffer’s integrity.
Shortly after his sentencing, President Trump pardoned Mr. Schaffer, closing this chapter of his life.
Personal Growth and Future Direction
Mr. Schaffer describes the experience as transformative. He speaks about adopting stoicism, deepening his faith, and shedding anger. He has recently joined AFF, where he works on legal outreach and community education programs. His objectives closely match the firm’s Attorneys On Retainer Program (AOR) and The Live and Let Live global peace movement.
“We should lead by example. That’s the best way to convince the world that freedom works. Let’s make our country the most free society we can possibly make it.”
-Attorney Marc. J. Victor
At AFF, we don’t just talk about defending freedom, we do it in the courtroom, every day. If you’re a responsible gun owner or someone who values freedom, we encourage you to explore our AOR Program. If you would like to know more about our law firm and how our AOR Program can help you, please call 866-404-5112 or email us.
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