The FBI has arrested former Detroit Lions draft pick Antwione Williams this week on two felony charges, including assault, related to his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riots. His arrest marks what is believed to be the first made in connection with the riots since Donald Trump’s recent re-election victory.
Williams, who played just one season on the Lions’ 53-man roster before being waived in 2017, was identified as a participant in the Capitol insurrection through a combination of photos from his social media and images taken during the riot. FBI special agents connected him to the scene by matching a New Era Golf hat he wore, which was clearly visible in both his social media posts and during the riots. The agents assigned the hashtag #RiotingGolfer to the case due to the distinctive logo on the cap.
Further identification came from a keychain Williams wore, which matched a photo posted on his social media. His keychain featured a red Chevrolet car fob, which was clearly visible during the riots. In addition, an FBI review of Williams’ credit card records revealed a transaction made on the day of the Capitol attack at a parking lot near Rosslyn Metro Center in Arlington, Virginia, suggesting he traveled from there to the Capitol, which was just a few train stops away.
Williams was seen on video breaking through police barricades and engaging in a confrontation with an officer outside the Capitol building. He remained on the Capitol grounds for several hours on January 6, participating in the protests against the certification of Joe Biden’s presidential victory.
After his brief NFL career, Williams spent time on practice squads for the Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, and Seattle Seahawks. He later played for the DC Defenders in the XFL before stepping away from professional football. Williams had played college football at Georgia Southern, and his involvement in the riots was further corroborated by photos of him wearing the school’s athletic gear.
With Trump’s potential return to the Oval Office, some individuals charged in connection with the Capitol riots may be pardoned, though Williams’ legal situation remains unresolved.
