Former Detroit Lions Player Charged in January 6 Riots: Prosecutors

According to federal authorities, the man was part of the initial mob that attempted to break into the Capitol and assaulted officers.

Washington D.C. — According to a federal complaint, a former Detroit Lions player was arrested Thursday in connection with the disturbances at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Antwione Williams, 31, was charged with one count of assaulting an officer, three counts of civil disorder, one count of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, two counts of disorderly conduct, four counts of engaging in violence in a restricted building or grounds, two counts of disorderly conduct at a capitol building, and two counts of physical violence on capitol grounds or building.

According to federal authorities, Williams was part of the initial mob that attempted to assault the Capitol.

According to federal authorities, Williams assaulted officers and attempted to knock down bike racks and barricades designed to prevent rioters from entering the Capitol building.

According to the federal complaint, prosecutors identified Williams by comparing his social media images to those from the Jan. 6 disturbances.

Prosecutors pointed to his Instagram account, where he is shown wearing a New Era Golf Hat, the same one he was wearing on Jan. 6, according to the federal complaint.

According to the federal complaint, prosecutors also presented social media photographs depicting Williams carrying a set of keys on his right hip, including a red key fob used for Chevrolet model cars, including Camaros, from 2016 and later.

According to the federal complaint, photos from the January 6 riot show Williams wearing the identical red key fob during the attack.

On Thursday, officers arrested Williams in connection with the Jan. 6 rioting in Savannah, Georgia, according to federal prosecutors.

Williams is the first individual to face charges in connection with the Jan. 6 riots since Donald Trump was elected President of the United States in 2024.

Trump has suggested that he will forgive or commute the rioters’ sentences.

Williams was picked by the Lions in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft and spent only one season with the team. During his debut season, he played 14 games as a linebacker and recorded 12 tackles.

Following his time with the Lions, he played for several additional teams.