Former NFL player Antwoine Williams charged in Capitol riot

He played one season in 2016 before being released by the Lions and had brief stints with several other American football teams.

According to court documents, Williams, 31, was seen in videos of the Capitol riot, where thousands of pro-Trump activists forced their way into the building after his 2020 election loss, built barricades and punched a police officer in the head, and struggled with others officers.

Prosecutors say he remained on the Capitol grounds until the evening of January 6.

He was identified by a golf hat and a distinctive key ring he wore during the riot, which matched other online photos of Mr Williams.

Online volunteers known as “riot hunters,” who use online videos and photos to hunt rioters, identified the brand of the hat and nicknamed Mr. Williams “RiotingGolfer.”

More than 1,500 people have been arrested in connection with the riot, when a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the building housing the US Congress in an attempt to stop the certification of Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election.

Donald Trump has promised to pardon some of the rioters, although he has not made clear what criteria he would use.

Several convicted or accused rioters have asked for their trials or sentencing hearings to be postponed because Trump’s promise could affect their cases. On Thursday, two judges postponed such hearings, but other judges denied similar requests.

The FBI is still looking for dozens of other suspects who were at the Capitol that day.