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A former NFL linebacker was arrested Thursday and charged with assaulting law enforcement during the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, according to court records. Antwione Williams, 31, who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2016 and later played for the XFL’s DC Defenders (now part of the UFL), is alleged to be one of the first rioters to break through the restricted Capitol perimeter during the attack, according to a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, D.C.
What was January 6 attack?
Trump supporters clashed with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification.
Prosecutors statement
The complaint claims Williams "pushed through a group of rioters that formed … and attacked and overcame the U.S. Capitol Police officers." Prosecutors say Williams was involved in violent confrontations with law enforcement, with body camera footage showing him pulling bike racks from officers and striking an officer on the head.
Additionally, Williams was allegedly captured in open-source video lunging at an officer who was using pepper spray to prevent rioters from taking one of the bike racks being used as a barrier. The complaint further states that Williams "grabbed and pushed two officers" as rioters attempted to push past police lines.
Evidence
Prosecutors presented a police body camera image showing Williams grabbing a Washington, D.C., police officer during the chaos outside the Capitol.
The FBI identified Williams in December 2022 after receiving a tip and comparing images of Capitol breach suspects with photos from his social media accounts, according to the complaint. Investigators also noted that when Williams was arrested, he had a red Chevrolet key fob hanging from his waist, which matched one seen on his belt loop during the riot. His Instagram account also contained a photo of him wearing the same Golf hat he wore on January 6.
Arrested
Williams was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, and faces multiple charges, including assaulting and impeding officers, civil disorder, entering restricted grounds, and disorderly conduct inside the Capitol building. Court documents confirm that he did not enter a plea during his initial appearance and was released on bond. His next hearing is scheduled for November 21 in Washington, D.C.
The complaint also mentions that after rioters retook the West Plaza, Williams joined in chants of “U.S.A.!” and raised his fists in celebration. "Williams took a few minutes to treat the effects of having been sprayed during that push, but eventually made his way to the Lower West Terrace," the document states.
The January 6 attack resulted in over 140 law enforcement officers being assaulted and caused damage exceeding $2.8 million, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in D.C. As of last week, more than 1,561 individuals have been federally charged in connection with the riot, including over 590 for assaulting officers or obstructing law enforcement during the unrest. Approximately 979 defendants have pleaded guilty, and 210 have been convicted in court.
