Former Detroit Lions player charged in Jan. 6 riot
SUMMARY
Former Detroit Lions linebacker Leander Antwione Williams was arrested in Georgia and charged with two felonies related to his alleged involvement in the events of January 6, 2021. Williams, who played for the Lions in 2016, faces charges for assaulting law enforcement officers and obstructing law enforcement. Prosecutors allege that Williams “confronted and overpowered” Capitol Police officers, attempted to seize a bike rack from an officer, and struck an officer. In addition to the felonies, he faces misdemeanor charges for unlawful entry, disorderly conduct, and engaging in violent acts on restricted grounds. Williams was previously known as "AFO-419" (Assault on Federal Officer), a moniker given by the FBI as it worked to identify participants in the riot. Authorities were tipped off in December 2022, leading to further investigation, including an interview with Williams in 2023.
