Feds arrest woman accused of stealing Pelosi’s laptop during Capitol riot
(Riley June Williams, Image credit: Twitter)
A 22-year-old woman from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who is alleged to have stolen a laptop and / or a hard drive from the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6 has been taken into custody by the Feds. It was also reported to the FBI that the woman was planning on selling that laptop to the Russians.
Riley June Williams, who has been charged with unlawfully breaching the Capitol building and with disorderly conduct, was arrested on Monday.
The FBI said in a court filing on Sunday that Williams was seen on video taking “a laptop computer or hard drive” from Pelosi’s office. It is investigating whether she tried to sell the device to Russian intelligence. ~ MSN
Prior to her arrest, Vice News was running the update below on the Twitter-verse.
Williams surrendered to local police of her own volition on January 18.
A tip came into the FBI from a caller claiming to be an ex-boyfriend of Williams. That caller told investigators that Williams displayed the laptop or hard drive taken from Pelosi’s office to some of her friends and that she had planned to sell that hardware to a friend in Russia who planned to sell it to that country’s foreign intelligence service; but her plan fell through, and she either still has the device or destroyed it.
Williams’ mother, who lives with her in Harrisburg, told ITV reporters that her daughter had taken a sudden interest in President Donald Trump’s politics and “far-right message boards.” Her father, who lives in Camp Hill, told local law enforcement that he and his daughter went to Washington on the day of the protest but didn’t stay together, meeting up later to return to Harrisburg, the FBI said. ~ CBS Pittsburgh
Initially, the FBI felt that Williams was on the run following the insurrection at the Capitol. Williams’ mother told local enforcement officials in Harrisburg that her daughter changed her cell phone number, wiped her social media accounts clean and that she packed a bag with the intention of being away for a few weeks.
Regarding the stolen laptop, Williams has not yet been accused of any thefts. She is only charged with violent entry or disorderly conduct, and entering the restricted space of the Capitol, the same charges faced by many who took part in the siege that day, according to CNN.
The ATF and FBI continue to urge the public to report suspected use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information can call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com.
The FBI is looking for individuals who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at fbi.gov/USCapitol.
A video showing Riley wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with an alt-right slogan during the Capitol riot has since gone viral. You can see her in action below.
~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
