Former NFL Player Charged for Role in January 6 Capitol Riot
A former NFL player has been charged in connection with the events of January 6, 2021, when supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol. Antwoine Williams, who previously played for the Detroit Lions, now faces serious charges, including civil disorder and assaulting law enforcement officers.
Williams, a 31-year-old from Georgia, was a standout at Georgia Southern University before entering the NFL in 2016, where he played one season with the Lions. According to prosecutors, he was identified in Capitol surveillance footage pulling on barricades and allegedly striking an officer on the head during clashes with police. Video evidence and photos from that day, along with a distinctive golf hat and key fob he wore, helped authorities and online volunteers, known as “sedition hunters,” identify him. These volunteers, who scour online videos and images for suspects, nicknamed him “RiotingGolfer” based on his outfit.
Williams was charged on November 7, marking one of the latest cases in connection with the Capitol attack. More than 1,500 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, where a large pro-Trump crowd disrupted the certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory.
As cases continue to unfold, some rioters have sought delays in their proceedings, influenced by Trump’s statements suggesting he might pardon those convicted in connection with January 6. While some judges have postponed cases in light of Trump’s comments, others have refused to do so.
The FBI remains engaged in identifying other suspects from the Capitol riot.
