The guitarist of heavy metal band Iced Earth avoided additional time behind bars in the January 6 case.

WASHINGTON – A heavy metal guitarist who was part of the far-right extremist group Oath Keepers when he joined the riot at the US Capitol. January 6, 2021avoided additional time behind bars when he was sentenced to probation Friday for his role in the attack.

John Ryan Shaffer, founder of the band Iced Earth, was the first defendant in the January 6 case to plead guilty federal charges in 2021. The sentencing judge and prosecutors commended Shaffer for his decision to quickly accept responsibility and cooperate with Justice Department officials investigating the riot.

“How quickly you came to justice says a lot about who you are,” U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta told him during a hearing at the federal courthouse in Washington before sentencing him to three years of probation.

Standing before the judge, Shaffer apologized to his fans and said he deeply regretted the “pain and embarrassment” his actions caused.

“I give you my word: I will not let you down,” Shaffer told the judge.

He pleaded guilty in a deal with prosecutors in April 2021 to two counts of obstructing an official proceeding and entering and remaining in a restricted building with a dangerous or deadly weapon. He was not accused of engaging in any pre-planning or coordination with other members of the Oath Keepers. who were convicted in separate cases of sedition and other serious charges.

Shaffer came to Washington in November 2020 for the Million Magician March to protest the election results. He told the journalist that “a group of thugs and criminals have taken over this country,” adding: “We see you, and you.” we are falling, mark my words,” court documents say.

On Jan. 6, Schaffer was wearing a hat that read “Lifetime Member of the Oath Keepers,” a tactical vest and a can of bear spray. Prosecutors said he was one of the first to enter the Capitol through doors on the northwest side of the building.

He was inside for about 10 minutes, did not participate in any violence or destruction and has already spent about three months in jail after his arrest, said his lawyer, Mark Victor. Schaffer believed the 2020 election was fraudulent and that the country was “on the verge of a takeover” when he stormed the Capitol, Victor told the judge.

“He was wrong, but that’s what he believed,” Victor said. “He was misled by people in the executive branch.”

More than 1,500 people have been charged with federal crimes related to the Capitol riot. About 1,200 of them pleaded guilty or were convicted after trials decided by judges and juries. More than 1,000 defendants were sentenced, with approximately two-thirds receiving prison sentences ranging from a few days to 22 years old.