AZ 'QAnon Shaman' Wants To Speak At Trump's Impeachment Trial

PHOENIX — One of former President Donald Trump's most ardent supporters is willing to speak against him at his impeachment trial, his lawyer said.

Jacob Chansley, known as the "QAnon Shaman" for his devotion to the conspiracy theory, is awaiting trial on federal charges in connection with the deadly riots at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

Albert Watkins, Chansley's attorney, said his client feels Congress should hear from someone President Donald Trump incited when the trial starts on Feb. 8.

Chansley has been a vocal Trump supporter and showed up in his honor at political rallies from Phoenix to Washington. But he's starting to change his tune.

Chansley was disappointed that Trump refused to pardon him and other rioters, Watkins said. “He felt like he was betrayed by the president,” Watkins said.

Watkins floated the idea of a presidential pardon for his client in several televised interviews before Trump left office.

Chansley previously told investigators he came to the Capitol “at the request of the president that all ‘patriots’ come to D.C. on Jan. 6,” according to court records.

Chansley faces charges of civil disorder, obstruction of an official proceeding, disorderly conduct in a restricted building, demonstrating in a Capitol building and other counts. His arraignment is scheduled for Friday in Washington after he was transferred from a Maricopa County prison earlier this week.

Chansley will remain in custody until trial. He was seen in the Capitol carrying a U.S. flag on a wooden spear, court records said. Chansley went into the Senate chamber and left a threatening note for former Vice President Mike Pence, who had been standing on the dais only moments before Chansley's arrival, court records said.

The FBI identified Chansley from his distinctive horned helmet, fur cape and tattoos and took him into custody a few days after the insurrection.

Chansley is one of more than 100 people arrested in connection with the events at the Capitol, including several from Arizona.

The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.