A former NFL player, Antwione Williams, aged 31, was apprehended on Thursday and faces charges related to assaulting law enforcement during the infamous January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Court documents reveal that Williams, who was initially drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2016 and later joined the XFL’s DC Defenders, is accused of being among the first individuals to breach the restricted area around the Capitol that day.
Allegations and Evidence Presented in the Case
According to a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., Williams was allegedly part of a group of rioters that forcefully broke through police defenses. The complaint asserts, “Williams pushed through a crowd of rioters who overwhelmed U.S. Capitol Police officers.”
Prosecutors accuse him of engaging in violent clashes with law enforcement, including being captured on police body camera footage pulling bike racks away from officers and striking an officer on the head. Additionally, open-source video allegedly shows Williams lunging at an officer attempting to use spray to prevent rioters from seizing control of one of the bike racks being used as a barricade.
Specific Incidents Leading to Identification
The complaint further details that Williams was seen grabbing and pushing two officers as rioters attempted to break through police lines. The investigation into Williams’ involvement began in December 2022 when the FBI received a tip after publicly sharing images of those who breached the Capitol. Agents confirmed his identity by matching photographs from the riot with images on his social media profiles.
Upon his arrest, authorities found Williams with a red Chevrolet key fob attached to his waist, similar to the one seen in footage from the Capitol riots. Additionally, an image on his Instagram account showed him wearing a distinctive Golf hat, identical to the one he wore during the riot.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Williams was taken into custody in Savannah, Georgia, and now faces multiple charges, including:
| Charge | Description |
|---|---|
| Assaulting and impeding officers | Involves physical confrontation with law enforcement |
| Civil disorder | Participation in actions disrupting public order |
| Entering restricted grounds | Unlawful entry into Capitol property |
| Disorderly conduct within a Capitol building | Causing a disturbance inside the Capitol |
During his initial court appearance in Savannah, Williams did not enter a plea. He was subsequently released on bond and is scheduled for his next court appearance on November 21 in Washington, D.C. His attorney was unavailable for comments when contacted by CNN.
Involvement in Capitol Riot Activities
According to the criminal complaint, after rioters regained control of the West Plaza, Williams was seen enthusiastically joining in chants of “U.S.A.!” while raising his fists in the air. Despite being affected by spray used by officers, he later pushed forward to the Lower West Terrace area.
Impact of the January 6 Attack and Legal Actions Taken
The January 6 attack had significant consequences, with over 140 police officers assaulted and damages exceeding $2.8 million to the Capitol grounds. As of last week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported that more than 1,561 individuals from nearly all 50 states have been federally charged for their involvement in the events. Of these, over 590 individuals face charges related to assaulting law enforcement or obstructing officers during the civil disorder.
To date, approximately 979 defendants have pleaded guilty, and 210 have been convicted after trials.
