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Former NFL player Antwoine Williams is facing felony charges related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, marking a significant development in cases tied to the event. Williams, once a defensive player for the Detroit Lions, has been charged with civil disorder, assaulting police, and multiple misdemeanors after allegedly engaging in violent acts against law enforcement during the Capitol breach.
According to court documents, Williams, 31, was identified through video footage, which allegedly shows him pulling on barricades, striking a police officer, and clashing with other officers. Online volunteers known as "sedition hunters" tracked his presence by noting his golf hat and a distinct key fob, leading them to nickname him "RiotingGolfer." On November 7, he became the latest individual to be formally charged for his role in the incident.
Williams' case is the first Capitol riot-related indictment filed since Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign launch. Over 1,500 arrests have been made since the riot, with more charges expected as the FBI continues to search for additional suspects. Trump has promised pardons for some involved in the riots, and several accused individuals have requested trial delays, hoping this might impact their cases. However, not all courts have agreed to these postponements.
A former college star from Georgia Southern University, Williams played for the Lions in 2016 and later had brief stints with other teams. His recent charges highlight the ongoing legal consequences of the January 6 events, even as debates over accountability and justice for the riot continue in the U.S. political landscape.
