Iced Earth as a band has released a new collective statement, breaking their silence on the actions of guitarist Jon Schaffer, who participated in the riots at the Capitol on January 6.
Vocalist Stu Block, guitarist Jake Dreyer, bassist Luke Appleton, and drummer Brent Smedley have released a joint statement condemning all rioters at the Capitol, adding that they are shocked at what Schaffer did. Iced Earth also states they "hope that all those involved that day are brought to justice to be investigated and answer for their actions."
"We want to thank those of you who have sent words of support in recent days," the band said. "Some of you have been concerned by our silence, which we understand. We needed some time to properly process the information and find out some facts before we made a statement.
"First and foremost we absolutely DO NOT condone nor do we support riots or the acts of violence that the rioters were involved in on January 6th at the US Capitol building. We hope that all those involved that day are brought to justice to be investigated and answer for their actions.
"With broken hearts we are sending our love and compassion to everyone who has felt pain from the events on January 6th. We are deeply saddened and our hearts go out to the families of the lives lost that day. There are really no proper words to console. Just know we are with you in your shock, grief and pain. Much love to you all.
"Stu, Luke, Jake, Brent".
Schaffer's bandmate Hansi Kürsch in Demons & Wizards also released a statement today, saying he doesn't want to comment on the matter until everything is sorted.
The FBI is “seeking the public’s assistance in identifying individuals who made unlawful entry into the United States Capitol Building on January 6, 2021, in Washington, D.C.” Anyone with information regarding these individuals, or anyone who witnessed any unlawful violent actions at the Capitol or near the area, is asked to contact the FBI's Toll-Free Tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) to verbally report tips.
