‘One of the Faces of Jan. 6’

On January 6, 2021, a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. This insurrection left five people dead and many more injured. The individuals involved in this attack came from a variety of backgrounds and motivations, but one face of the insurrection stands out as particularly emblematic of the events of that day.

One of the faces of January 6 is Jacob Chansley, also known as the “QAnon Shaman.” Chansley gained notoriety for his distinctive appearance during the Capitol riot, wearing a horned fur hat, face paint, and a bare chest adorned with tattoos. He became a symbol of the chaos and extremism that unfolded that day.

Chansley was a devoted follower of the QAnon conspiracy theory, which posits that a secret cabal of elites is running a global child trafficking ring and that former President Donald Trump is working to dismantle it. He believed that the election was stolen from Trump and was part of a larger effort to undermine American democracy.

Chansley’s actions on January 6 were captured in numerous photographs and videos, showing him leading a group of rioters into the Capitol building and standing on the Senate dais. He was later arrested and charged with several offenses, including violent entry and disorderly conduct.

Chansley’s involvement in the Capitol riot highlights the dangers of conspiracy theories and the radicalization of individuals online. His extreme beliefs led him to participate in a violent attack on the heart of American democracy, causing chaos and destruction in the process.

As the nation continues to reckon with the events of January 6, it is important to remember the faces of those who took part in the insurrection. Jacob Chansley, the QAnon Shaman, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of extremism and the need to confront and address the underlying issues that led to that fateful day.