Former Detroit Lions linebacker Leander Antwione Williams was arrested in Savannah, Georgia, on Thursday, facing multiple charges for his alleged role in the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, federal prosecutors announced. Williams, who played for the Lions in the 2016 NFL season, is accused of assaulting Capitol Police officers during the attack.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., charged Williams, 31, with felony counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers and obstruction of law enforcement. He also faces three misdemeanor charges related to trespassing, disorderly conduct, and physical violence on restricted Capitol grounds.

 

Bodycam footage showing Williams.

Prosecutors allege Williams overpowered officers, attempted to seize a bike rack from one officer, struck another officer on the head, and swatted away riot-control spray during the chaos. Williams, identified as “AFO-419” (Assault on Federal Officer) in FBI wanted photos, was linked to the events through a tip involving his Instagram account and evidence such as a red key fob and credit card transactions placing him near the Capitol on Jan. 6.

The attack, which caused approximately $1.5 million in damage, occurred as a pro-Trump mob disrupted Congress’s certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. The FBI continues its extensive investigation into the riot, which has resulted in charges against more than 1,561 individuals, including 590 accused of assaulting law enforcement.

Williams’s attorney did not respond to requests for comment.