Table of Contents
Introduction
Jacob Chansley, also known as the “QAnon Shaman,” was born in 1988 and attended Moon Valley High School in Phoenix, Arizona, and Glendale Community College, where he completed some coursework in psychology, religion, philosophy, and ceramics.
He is an American alt-right conspiracy theorist and activist who participated in the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol, for which he was sentenced to 41 months in prison.
Chansley gained national attention during the January 6th Capitol riot for his distinctive outfit, which included a fur headdress with horns and face paint, and for carrying a spear with an American flag attached to it.
He was a prominent supporter of the QAnon conspiracy theory, which claims that a cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles controls the world and that former President Donald Trump was fighting to expose and defeat them.
Chansley has since disavowed the QAnon movement, although he previously identified as a QAnon supporter.
“QAnon Shaman” running for Congress?
Jacob Chansley, also known as the “QAnon Shaman,” has apparently filed paperwork to run for Congress in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District as a Libertarian candidate. The district is currently represented by Republican Debbie Lesko, who announced last month that she won’t seek re-election.
Chansley gained notoriety for his role in the January 6th Capitol riot, during which he entered the Capitol building and used a bullhorn to rouse the mob. He was sentenced to 41 months in prison for his role in the riot.
Chansley’s chances of winning the election are unclear, as he is a relatively unknown candidate, and the district is traditionally Republican-leaning. However, his notoriety from the Capitol riot could potentially attract some voters.
NEW: QAnon Shaman Jacob Chansley, who was recently released from federal prison for being at the Capitol on J6, appears to be running for Congress.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 13, 2023
Chansley will be running as a libertarian candidate according to paperwork that was filed.
The paperwork was filed in the 8th… pic.twitter.com/0lzwMz2xor
Potential consequences of having a “QAnon Shaman” in Congress
QAnon Alignment:
- Jacob Chansley, the “QAnon Shaman,” aligns with the discredited QAnon conspiracy theory.
- QAnon alleges a global cabal of Satan-worshipping pedophiles and claims that Donald Trump fought to expose and defeat them.
Potential Consequences:
- Chansley bringing QAnon beliefs to Congress may lead to:
- Lack of trust in the government.
- Further polarization of American politics.
Concerns from Capitol Riot:
- Chansley’s involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot raises concerns about:
- Ability to uphold the law.
- Respect for the democratic process.
Disavowal of QAnon:
- Chansley has since disavowed the QAnon movement, despite prior identification as a supporter.
Impact of Notoriety:
- Past QAnon involvement and Capitol riot notoriety could still influence Chansley’s political decisions if elected to Congress.