Michigan man convicted of felony obstruction in Capitol riot gets five years in federal prison
(Anthony Robert Williams, Capitol Breach, Image credit: Twitter)
A Michigan man was sentenced on Friday to five years in prison on felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach. Anthony Robert Williams 47, of Southgate, Michigan, was sentenced in the District of Columbia.
Williams was “among the first” in the mob to enter the U.S. Capitol … and he spent about an hour inside the building after working with other rioters to force his way inside. ~ mlive Michigan
In the weeks leading up to January 6 the riot, Williams posted various statements on social media, saying, among other things, that he intended to travel to Washington to “storm the swamp.” He posted numerous messages using hashtags such as #HOLDTHELINE and #NORETREAT #NOSURRENDER.” He recorded videos of himself when he was illegally inside the Capitol Building on January 6.
By 2:11 p.m. on January 6, Williams was on the Northwest stairs outside the building. He used bike racks put into place by police officers to assist others in the mob in getting onto the stairs. Williams himself raised his arms as he scaled the railing after rioters broke through the line of officers. He was in a wave of people that entered the Senate Wing door at 2:18 p.m., just five minutes after that door was breached in the first breach of the building by rioters that day. He then went to the Crypt and was close to the front of the line of officers when rioters broke through.
Williams then went to the Rotunda, where he filmed himself making statements such as “desperate times, desperate measures.” He resisted efforts of law enforcement officers to push the mob out of the area, holding the line for his side in the Rotunda. He was one of the last people in the mob to be pushed out of that area. He was in the Capitol Building for about one hour.
He later boasted about his actions on social media. In a Facebook post on January 9, 2021, he wrote, “Operation Swamp Storm veteran now lol modern day tea party. Was proudest day of my life lol felt like the founding fathers were smiling down on us in that room, and I guarantee my dad and gramps, both vets, would be proud.”
In another post, on April 19, 2021, he wrote, “I was in the Capitol and have absolutely no remorse or fear in saying or doing it.”
Prosecutors had recommended a prison sentence of five years and four months for Williams, who was arrested in Detroit March 26, 2021, according to AP News
Williams was found guilty by a jury on June 30, 2022, of the felony offense of obstruction of an official proceeding and four related misdemeanor charges, including:
- entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds;
- disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds;
- disorderly conduct in a Capitol Building; and
- parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol Building.
Following his prison term, he will be placed on three years of supervised release. He also must pay $2,000 in restitution and a fine of $5,000.
In the 20 months since January 6, 2021, more than 870 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 265 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.
(Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office / District of Columbia)
(Cover photo of Anthony Robert Williams, Image credit: FBI)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
