WASHINGTON (Agencies): Jacob Chansley, known as the ‘QAnon Shaman’ following his involvement in the January 6 Capitol Hill riots, has filed paperwork to run for Congress in Arizona’s 8th congressional district in 2024. The 36-year-old US Navy veteran gained notoriety during a protest outside the US Capitol in 2021, dressed in a distinctive outfit with body paint, a fur hat with horns, and carrying an American flag.
Chansley, who has filed as a Libertarian Party candidate, served time in prison after pleading guilty to one count of obstructing an official proceeding. Democrats have labeled the Capitol protest an “insurrection,” though no one has been charged with that specific crime. Chansley, upon his release, stated that he was wrong to enter the Capitol and had no excuse.
The seat Chansley is eyeing is currently being held by Republican Debbie Lesko, who has announced she will not seek re-election. Chansley’s candidacy is likely to draw attention due to his association with the events of January 6 and the subsequent legal proceedings.