The man known as "QAnon Shaman" pleaded guilty on Friday in a deal with federal prosecutors for his role in the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Thirty-three-year-old Jacob Chansley pleaded guilty to one felony count of obstructing of an official proceeding, the most significant charge levied against him.
After being indicted on six charges which could have sent him to a possible 28 years in prison, the deal is expected to substantially cut down his time behind bars. He now could be sentenced to up to 51 months in prison, the Daily Beast reported.
Chansley’s defense attorney, Al Watkins, told Judge Royce C. Lamberth during Friday's hearing that his client is looking for a second chance after showing "a great deal of astuteness during the review" of the plea agreement.
"It is imperative that patience and compassion be accorded those, who like Mr. Chansley, were non-violent, peaceful, and possessed of genuine mental health issues which rendered them more vulnerable to the propaganda of the day but who, at the end of day, seek to be accountable for their actions," Watkins said according to the outlet.
Watkins added that Chansley has no criminal history, had not been disruptive while in jail and was cooperative at all points of the investigation.
Chansley spent most of his time in prison in solitary confinement, which his lawyer said allowed him to "recapture his acuity." A psychiatrist deemed him to now be mentally competent.
"I am very appreciative for the court’s willingness to have me and my mental vulnerabilities evaluated," Chansley said at the hearing.
The Daily Beast also reported that the trial began with multiple people yelling "freedom!" before the judge silenced them.
The judge has yet to make a decision on whether Chansley will be released from prison prior to his official sentencing, which is scheduled for November 17.
Assistant Attorney General Kimberly Pashall argued that Chansley should still be detained prior to that date because "we are concerned about the safety of the community." However, Watkins said he needed to be released "to move forward with his getting well."
Chansley also no longer wants to be associated with the conspiracy-friendly QAnon movement, his lawyer said in a lengthy statement provided to HuffPost and multiple media outlets on Thursday. Watkins told the publication his client "REPUDIATES THE 'Q' MONIKER" and "requests future references to him be devoid of use of the letter 'Q.'"
Chansley – who later claimed he "was trying to bring God back to the Senate" – was seen by millions during the Jan. 6 insurrection bare chested with a furry, horned hat and painted face. In March, Chansley told CBS News "the one very serious regret" he had was trespassing into the Capitol building, which he attributed to "believing that when we were waved in by police officers that it was acceptable."
In all, about 600 people have been arrested in connection with the riot.
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