Minecraft wiki entry for Channeling, associated text: However, it should be noted that in the circumstances stated above, even though a lightning cannot be summoned if the mob itself is hit by a Channeling trident, they are still affected by the lightning if it strikes nearby. For instance, if a Channeling trident hits an armor stand next to a creeper in water, the lightning is summoned as normal, and the creeper becomes charged from being in the affected radius of the lightning.