Leander Antwione Williams, a former Detroit Lions player who was part of the team during the 2016 season, has been arrested and charged for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Williams, who played as a linebacker in the NFL, faces several serious charges related to the attack on the U.S. government headquarters and his participation in the mob that stormed the building while Congress was certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election.
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The charges against Williams
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Williams was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, on Thursday and is charged with assaulting police officers during the Capitol assault.
In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., detailed that Williams faces “felony charges of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, as well as obstruction of law enforcement.”
Additionally, he is also charged with three misdemeanors, including “entering and remaining in restricted Capitol buildings, disorderly conduct, and acts of physical violence” (Department of Justice, 2023).
Williams, 31, is accused of his involvement in the violent Capitol invasion that took place on January 6, 2021, following months of unfounded claims by Donald Trump about election fraud.
In its statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported that Williams “confronted and overpowered” Capitol Police officers at a perimeter line, attempted to grab a bike rack from an officer trying to clear a plaza, and struck an officer on the head with a “forceful arm motion” (U.S. Attorney’s Office, 2023).
The FBI, which had been searching for those involved in the riot, identified Williams using images from the attack. According to court documents, “Williams had been known as AFO-419, an acronym for ‘Assault on Federal Officer,’ in photos the FBI posted in an effort to identify members of the mob” (FBI, 2023).
Williams‘ case is also based on evidence gathered by the FBI, which included a tip sent in December 2022 and credit card records placing Williams near the Capitol on January 6.
The repercussions of the Capitol attack
The Capitol attack, which caused approximately $1.5 million in damages, occurred during a rally organized by Trump, where he urged his followers to “fight” for what he claimed was a stolen election.
More than 1,500 people have been arrested in connection with the riots, and over 590 face charges for assaulting or impeding law enforcement.
Williams‘ arrest reflects how federal authorities continue to prosecute those involved in the attack, while the legacy of January 6 remains a topic of debate in U.S. politics and justice.
