Guilty Plea: Illinois Man Confesses to Assaulting Officers During Capitol Riot

William Lewis, 57, of Burbank, Illinois, pled guilty to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officials before U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras. Judge Contreras will sentence Lewis on December 18, 2024.

According to court records, Lewis traveled from Burbank to Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021, to join the “Stop the Steal” event. After the gathering, Lewis made his way to the West Plaza, which was already overrun by rioters.

Officers from the United States Capitol Police (USCP) and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) were attempting to maintain lines of defense on West Plaza, preventing rioters from pressing further toward the Capitol building.

According to court filings, Lewis repeatedly sprayed wasp and hornet spray at police officers. As a result of his actions, at least one MPD officer was compelled to quickly leave the defensive line and seek medical attention. Another person felt a scorching feeling on their face and eyes.

Following these episodes, Lewis proceeded to the Capitol’s Lower West Terrace. Lewis used a stolen police baton to smash three distinct panes of a huge glass directly to the right (south) of the Lower West Terrace Tunnel.

On November 9, 2023, the FBI captured Lewis in Burbank, Illinois.

This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division Counterterrorism Section. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois provided invaluable support.

The FBI’s Chicago and Washington Field Offices investigated the case and identified Lewis as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) AFO (Assault on Federal Officer) #283 based on information photos. The United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department gave valuable support.

In the 40 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,424 people have been charged in nearly all 50 states with crimes linked to the breach of the United States Capitol, including more than 500 people charged with assaulting or hindering law enforcement, a felony. The investigation is underway.