‘QAnon Shaman’ hires Rittenhouse lawyer for potential appeal

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. In a press release, Mr Pierce and attorney William Shipley pointed to Chansley’s former defence attorney Albert Watkins as a potential reason for appeal. “This includes a possible direct appeal of his conviction and sentence to the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, as well as claims of ‘Ineffective Assistance of Counsel’ in the appropriate venue.” While representing Chansley, Mr Watkins called Capitol rioters "all f***ing short-bus people", "people with brain damage" and said that they are "f***ing retarded". Mr Watkins, however, told The Independent’s in a statement that he “personally spoke” to Chansley after Mr Pierce’s entry of appearance in federal court, and that he remains the QAnon Shaman’s counsel of record. Chansley “confirmed he did not personally authorize Mr Pierce to represent him”, said Mr Watkins, who added he would be “continuing representation of the man who has become universally known as ‘The Shaman’.” “Watkins issued a letter to Mr Pierce confirming he had not received any contact from Mr Pierce and requesting the prompt withdrawal of his entry of appearance” Mr Watkins said.