Unaware to many, my investigation into the man many view as the face of January 6th began months before he stepped outside of the prison nicknamed the DC Gulag. Through former colleagues, I was asked to investigate on behalf of the January 6th community… Here is the result.

New Beginnings

In the initial hours of Trump’s presidency, a series of presidential pardons were issued, affecting nearly 1,600 Americans. These pardons resulted in the release of prisoners nationwide, including individuals whose lives had been profoundly impacted on January 6, 2021. While stationed outside the D.C. Correctional Facility in the aftermath of Inauguration Day, I met a man who would stir significant controversy in the months following his release. This man was Edward Jake Lang, known to many as the emblematic figure of January 6th. While he has embraced this role, there are numerous voices within the community who find his representation on the front lines concerning.

Before the Capitol

Jake Lang’s background as a New York native in the hustle is not widely recognized by the public, although those familiar with the January 6 events are quite aware. He is the son of a well-off businessman and small-town politician, which adds layers to his controversial persona. Before his arrest for wielding an aluminum bat while donning a gas mask during the Capitol riot, Lang had a checkered history that included renting a vehicle to threaten a childhood acquaintance. According to a police report from The Sullivan Times, Lang engaged in violent behavior under the influence during a drive from New York to Ohio. He assaulted and attempted to strangle his friend, throwing away his phone when the friend tried to contact authorities. The friend reported threats from Lang, fearing physical harm. This incident occurred a mere three weeks before the events vaulted Lang into the spotlight.

January 6th became a pivotal moment in American history. Many citizens converged on Washington, D.C., to protest what they believed to be a fraudulent election and to demand accountability from elected leaders. Jake Lang’s specific actions that day remain somewhat enigmatic. According to one account, Lang aimed to infiltrate the Senate chamber to draft a new Declaration of Independence. Captured in various images with an aluminum bat, a gas mask, and clad in black, his conduct has been both lauded and condemned. On one hand, he reportedly performed a heroic act by helping to rescue Phillip Anderson, a fellow defendant, from a precarious situation where Anderson lay unconscious. Conversely, other assertions by Lang, such as being at Roseanne Boyland’s side during her final moments, have been disputed by eyewitnesses. Furthermore, his complaints about not receiving a trial are undermined by his own requests for multiple continuances. Whether this was a tactical legal move or a maneuver for attention, it appears that publicity often outweighs veracity.

Stories as Told by Jake Lang’s Gulag Brothers

Stories of division inside the D.C. Gulag have emerged since the presidential pardons were issued. Stories of near fist fights between Jake and others, such as fellow inmate, Kash Kelly, are the buzz of the community. Lang seemed to delight in tormenting other J6 defendants behind those walls. Often trying to prevent neighboring cellmates from sleeping at night or even reveling in having them put in solitary confinement. One tale told by prisoners at the Gulag about fellow J6er, Richard “Bigo” Barnett, indicates Jake’s responsibility for having Bigo sent to solitary on Good Friday. As the guards escorted Barnett to solitary confinement, Jake was heard mocking him as he was taken away. Jake’s access to phones while photographing himself praying and even taping podcasts while supposedly in the confines of solitary confinement has left many scratching their heads. Outsiders are unaware how Jake could have access to these comforts, but the whispers amongst the J6 community indicate that Jake used the funds he raised from inside the jail and perhaps, access to his father Ned’s wealth, to pay off the guards to acquire items not accessible by other prisoners. 

Fast forward four years, as I witnessed the man with the personality of a used car salesman experience freedom for the first time in four years with his Bible in hand, little did I know that new controversies were on the horizon. His rising fame on social media was propelled by his ability to make headlines constantly since his release. Whether it be founding the group “Protect White Americans” and entering into the Austin Metcalfe headlines down in Frisco, Texas, or whether it be going on Enrique Tarrio’s new podcast sans shirt to show his whiteness shortly after announcing his candidacy for US Senate in Florida, many January 6th defendants have shied away from this man who proclaims to have the second most watched podcast on X. Mr. Lang raised millions of dollars while in jail and has contributed $400-$500 to J6 defendants by way of their GiveSendGo accounts. Many of those recipients show gratitude, but others question where the rest of the funds he raised were spent. Time will tell if that is ever revealed. 

Jake Lang’s Best Friend or Just His Next Grift Victim?

But the latest act of the man with the smooth tongue and charming personality is being called out by the community as they watch in shock at his attempts to secure the estate of a fellow J6er who just succumbed to cancer. Bart Shively, a January 6th defendant and former Marine, was loved by most who met him. Bart was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma before his arrest for his activities on January 6, 2001. He entered the notorious Gulag with Stage 2 cancer. After neglect and a lack of treatment for nearly two years, the judge finally showed Bart mercy at his sentencing and released the veteran. Unfortunately, by that time, stage two cancer had progressed to stage four. The Marine veteran’s condition worsened, and shortly before his death, Jake Lang was openly pushing Bart to sign over a power of attorney to him. Lang’s mission seemed to have the goal of acquiring access to Bart Shively’s GiveSendGo and his estate. The man who wants to be the next Senator from Florida’s last act for his so-called friend didn’t involve a physical altercation, but seemingly worse. Taking advantage of a man who saw Lang as a friend in his last days on earth. Indications are that Lang’s plan did not succeed. Bart Shively was laid to rest days ago in Pennsylvania. As the January 6th community gathered to remember their brother in Christ, whispers spread about what could have been. How Jake Lang could have taken advantage of his dying brother, who in many ways was the antithesis of him. 

But then, God has a way of exposing the truth. A quote from Benjamin Franklin seems quite appropriate as a way to describe the once-designated face of the January 6th movement in this country. 

“Two passions have powerful influence on the affairs of men: the love of power and the love of money.” – Benjamin Franklin

But then, after five months of chaos, perhaps Jake Lang was finally exposed as the hustler he had always been by the pure at heart soul who died at the hands of his government. Truth always wins…