Metal Anarchy

Iced Earth’s Jon Schaffer has responded to the civil suit that District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine filed against him and other members of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys due to damages related to the January 6, 2021 pro-Trump insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. According to The Republic, the guitarist’s attorney has “asked to join a series of motions to dismiss the lawsuit and some responses from other defendants, stating that the arguments made in those filings ‘similarly apply’ to Schaffer.”

The following was said in Schaffer’s latest motion:

“Defendant Jon Ryan Schaffer respectfully moves to join in the five motions to dismiss the amended complaint. Defendant Schaffer asks to join these filed motions to the extent they pertain to allegations against him. The arguments set forth in the motions to dismiss similarly apply to Defendant Schaffer. Joinder to the motions to dismiss and their replies serve the interests to expedite and consolidate this matter and to avoid the repetition of filing a separate motion that would assert the same arguments as set forth in those motions and replies.”

As previously reported, Schaffer pleaded guilty to two charges related to his involvement in the insurrection in April 2021. Those charges include obstructing an official proceeding of Congress and trespassing on restricted grounds of the Capitol while armed with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

As part of the deal, the musician entered into a cooperation agreement with the government. On top of that, the Justice Department also agreed to sponsor Schaffer for the witness protection program. CNN previously reported that the guitarist’s legal team have “agreed to recommend that he get between 3.5 and 4.5 years in prison, based on how fruitful his cooperation is with the government.”

[via Blabbermouth]