Jacob Chansley, 35, of Arizona, who was known as the QAnon Shaman during the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, filed paperwork announcing his intent to run for Congress in 2024.
Arizona resident Jacob Chansley, the Jan. 6, 2021 rioter dubbed the 'QAnon Shaman' whose image was ubiquitous on televisions as he wore face paint with animal fur and horns, plans to run for Congress in 2024. The 35-year-old filed a statement of interest last Thursday, which, according to the Associated Press, indicates Chansley wants to run as a Libertarian in next year’s election for the 8th Congressional District seat in Arizona. Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz.
After the riot, Chansley was arrested and charged in connection with the riot. He pleaded guilty to civil disorder and violent entry to the Capitol in September 2021. Chansley was sentenced to 41 months in prison in November 2021, and after serving about 27 months, was transferred to a Phoenix halfway house in March 2023. In a lengthy speech at his sentencing hearing, Chansley said he was 'wrong for entering the Capitol' and did not excuse his actions.
am in no way, shape or form a violent criminal… no way a domestic terrorist,' Chansley said. 'I'm a good man who broke the law. … I am truly repentant for my actions.' He is among the more than 700 people sentenced in relation to Capitol riot-related federal crimes. Chansley previously called himself the 'QAnon Shaman,' but has since disavowed the QAnon movement.