A judge rejected the 'QAnon Shaman's' 3rd request for pretrial release, just days after the accused Capitol rioter pleaded guilty to a criminal charge

Jacob Chansley was denied his third attempt to be free in eight months by a federal judge.
Judge ruled that the "QAnon Shaman" had failed to show he would not be a flight risk or danger.

This decision comes one week after Chansley pleaded guilty in criminal court to charges related to the Capitol attack.

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"QAnon Shaman Jacob Chansley" will remain in prison until his sentencing on Thursday for a felony related to the January 6 Capitol riot. A federal judge ruled Thursday.

The decision by US District Judge Royce C. Lamberth marks Chansley's third unsuccessful bid for freedom since his arrest eight months ago. This ruling comes one week after Chansley pleaded guilty in obstruction of Congress's certification of the results for the 2020 presidential election.

Chansley, who was adorned with horns and a headdress as well as face paint, became one of the most prominent faces at the Capitol on January 6. Chansley was captured walking around the Capitol with his flagpole and bullhorn that day. He was then arrested in Phoenix, Arizona three days later.

Chansley's fame has grown in the months following the attack. He was interviewed in jail, requested specific accommodations, and received frequent updates from Albert Watkins, his attorney.

Watkins stated last week that Chansley is in solitary confinement for up to 23 hours per day, even though he is not violent. Chansley's lawyer in St. Louis has been trying for months to get pretrial release, but has failed three times.

Chansley's latest request for release was made in July. Chansley wanted to be freed so that he could see his grandfather, Watkins stated in a Friday press release. The lawyer stated that Chansley's grandfather was his "only adult male constant" throughout his life.

Watkins stated in a press release that Judge Lamberth had denied the request based on compassion. "On the same day, Mr. Chansley's grandfather died."

Chansley had to show "clear evidence" that he was not a danger or flight risk to the community in order to be released. Lamberth stated that he did not do so in a Friday ruling. Court documents show that Watkins made arrangements for Chansley's accommodation and mental health treatment. However, Lamberth stated that he did not explain how Chansley could be stopped fleeing the area.

Chansley was previously accused by the prosecution of being a member of the QAnon community, which raised concerns that Chansley could be helped to raise money to flee. Lamberth also mentioned this possibility in his decision.

Watkins stated earlier this month that Chansley had "repudiated Q" and rejected conspiracy group tenets.

Lamberth rejected Watkins' claim that Chansley's death could worsen mental health issues or "psychologically trigger the defendant" in his filing.

Watkins said Friday that the decision was a "sad" day and indicated that the US legal system is not equipped to properly handle people with mental disabilities or vulnerabilities.

He said, "With great sadness, regret, there was simply no more I could do, to allow a gentle and smart young man to spend a few moments at the sideline of the man who raised me to say "good-bye" one last time."

Chansley will be sentencing November 17th. According to sentencing guidelines, he could spend 41 to 51 months in prison. Watkins will advocate for probation.