Judge Orders Return of QAnon Shaman's Items

Federal Judge Royce Lamberth has ordered the Department of Justice to return the spear-tipped flagpole and horned headdress to Jacob Chansley, known as the 'QAnon Shaman,' after he completed his 41-month prison sentence for his role in the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The judge ruled that the government failed to prove it still needed these items as evidence or sought their forfeiture. Chansley was among the first to be indicted for the riot and became notorious for his distinctive attire. Prosecutors argued to retain the items in case Chansley contested his conviction, but the judge noted the extensive video and photographic evidence documenting his actions. Chansley expressed gratitude for the ruling, emphasizing that it upholds the law.