JUST IN: Georgia Southern Star Linebacker Arrested for Shocking Role in Jan. 6 Riots
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Former Georgia Southern linebacker Leander Antwione Williams was arrested Thursday in Savannah for his alleged involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
According to the FBI, Williams was present at the riots and reportedly among the first to breach a restricted perimeter near the Peace Monument. Federal court documents allege that he pushed through a crowd of rioters at the site and assaulted U.S. Capitol Police officers, overpowering them in the process.
Williams faces seven charges, including Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building and Act of Physical Violence in the Capitol Grounds or Buildings.
A standout player for Georgia Southern from 2011 to 2015, Williams was selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He appeared in 14 games before being waived and later spent time on practice squads for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Carolina Panthers, though he never returned to the field in an NFL game.
It’s currently unclear if Williams remains in custody. Court filings indicate his first hearing is set for November 21 at 12:30 p.m. in the District of Columbia. However, the Department of Justice notes his initial appearance will take place in the Southern District of Georgia.
To date, over 1,561 individuals have been charged for their involvement in the January 6 riots, with more than 590 accused of assaulting or obstructing law enforcement.