A federal judge has mandated the Justice Department to return the spear and horned helmet worn by Jacob Chansley, known as the “QAnon Shaman,” during the U.S. Capitol riot on 6 January 2021.
JUST IN: A federal judge has agreed to let Jake Chansley — the QAnon Shaman of Jan. 6 infamy — retrieve his horned helmet and spear from the government. https://t.co/iMylUuqTkk pic.twitter.com/4L4je4mDiJ
— Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) August 5, 2024
Chansley, sentenced to 41 months in prison for his involvement in the riot, requested the return of confiscated items in May. These included his “horned coyote-tail headdress” and “a six-foot pole with an American flag ziptied to the shaft and a metal spearhead fixed to the top,” as described by the government.
The Justice Department opposed Chansley’s request, arguing in court that the items, which symbolised strength during the Capitol assault, should remain in federal custody.
Judge Royce Lambert, however, ruled in favour of Chansley, ordering the return of the “unmistakable outfit.”
“Mr. Chansley has completed his prison sentence and much of his supervised release. He has now moved for the return of his seized property, including his spear and helmet,” wrote Judge Lamberth.
“Since the government has not demonstrated a need to keep these items as evidence and has not sought their forfeiture, the Court will grant Mr. Chansley’s motion,” the judge stated.
Over 1,265 individuals have been charged in connection with the Capitol attack. Prosecutors have secured over 718 guilty pleas, leading to incarceration for more than 460 defendants, according to the Justice Department.