A former NFL linebacker, Antwione Williams, was arrested and charged with assaulting law enforcement during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol. Williams, 31, who previously played for the Detroit Lions and the XFL's DC Defenders, is alleged to have been among the first rioters to breach the restricted perimeter of the Capitol.
According to court records, Williams pushed through a group of rioters and attacked and overcame US Capitol Police officers. He was recorded on police body camera footage pulling bike racks from police and striking an officer on the head. Williams was also seen lunging at an officer who was deploying spray to prevent rioters from taking a bike rack.
The FBI identified Williams after receiving a tip and comparing riot photos with images from his social media account. He was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, and is facing charges including assaulting officers, civil disorder, entering restricted grounds, and disorderly conduct within a Capitol building.
During his initial court appearance, Williams did not enter a plea and was released on bond. The attack on January 6 resulted in over 140 police officers being assaulted and damages exceeding $2.8 million.
More than 1,561 people across all 50 states have been federally charged in connection with the attack, with over 590 facing charges for assaulting law enforcement. About 979 defendants have pleaded guilty, and 210 have been convicted at trial.
