Alex Bruno
Elon Musk, the CEO of Twitter, has taken to social media to call for the release of Jacob Chansley, also known as the “QAnon Shaman,” who was arrested after the events of January 6th.
Musk’s request for Chansley’s release came after footage of Chansley reading Donald Trump’s tweet to his supporters was released by Fox News Host Tucker Carlson.
On his Twitter page, Musk posted “Free Jacob Chansley” and went on to compare Chansley’s situation with a man who had assaulted comedian Dave Chappelle during one of his shows.
Free Jacob Chansley https://t.co/8BbeXF2Fye
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 10, 2023
The billionaire expressed disbelief at the stark contrast in their punishments, stating that Chansley received 4 years in prison for a non-violent, police-escorted tour while the man who assaulted Chappelle received a mere $3000 fine and no prison time.
Chansley got 4 years in prison for a non-violent, police-escorted tour!?
Dave Chapelle was violently assaulted on stage by a guy with a knife. That guy got a $3000 fine & no prison time. https://t.co/qDRWxozD8B
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 10, 2023
Musk further explained that he may not be part of the “MAGA movement” but believes in the fairness of justice, adding that Chansley was falsely portrayed in the media as a violent criminal who tried to overthrow the state and urged others to commit violence.
He also pointed out that the video footage of Chansley shows him calmly walking in the Capitol building while being escorted by officers and urging others to be peaceful and go home.
I’m not part of MAGA, but I do believe in fairness of justice.
Chansley was falsely portrayed in the media as a violent criminal who tried to overthrow the state and who urged others to commit violence.
But here he is urging people to be peaceful and go home. And the other… https://t.co/XU8vISJaNy
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 11, 2023
Jacob Chansley, a United States Navy veteran, was one of the individuals referred to as the “QAnon Shaman” and was believed to have partly led the insurrection that day.
He was later arrested and charged with several crimes, including knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and with violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Chansley was sentenced to almost four years in prison.
After Tucker Carlson released the footage given to him by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, many have been calling the sentencing of Chansley unjust, and Musk’s tweet has added to the growing debate.
