Burbank Man Sentenced 3 Years in Prison for Spraying Officers During Capitol Riot
Background
A southwest suburban man accused of assaulting law enforcement officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot was sentenced Friday to three years in federal prison.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing
William Lewis, 58, pleaded guilty to a felony count of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers. He was sentenced to 37 months in prison with two years of supervised release, and he was ordered to pay $3,761 in restitution.
Capitol Riot Incident
Lewis, of Burbank, drove to Washington on the day of the rally to join other supporters of Donald Trump to protest the results of the 2020 presidential election, prosecutors said. After the rally, Lewis went to the building’s West Plaza where lines of U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department officers were trying to hold back a group of rioters from pushing through toward the Capitol building, prosecutors said.
Assault on Officers
Lewis sprayed streams of wasp killer toward officers on four occasions until he emptied the can. One officer reported that he was sprayed in the mouth, and that he experienced a burning sensation on his face and eyes, according to prosecutors. He then threw the empty can at officers.
Additional Incidents
A few minutes later, Lewis went to the building’s Lower West Terrace and stole a police baton, which he used to smash three panes of a large window into the Capitol building, officials said.
Arrest and Charges
Lewis was arrested in November 2023 in Burbank. More than 50 Illinois residents, and more than 1,500 people from across the country, have faced criminal charges in connection with the Jan. 6 riot. Trump has promised to pardon many of those charged in the attack once he retakes office next week.
Conclusion
The sentencing of William Lewis serves as a reminder of the seriousness of the crimes committed during the Jan. 6 riot. The actions of individuals like Lewis have caused harm to law enforcement officers and damage to the Capitol building, and they will be held accountable for their actions.
FAQs
Q: What was William Lewis charged with?
A: Lewis was charged with a felony count of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers.
Q: What was Lewis’ sentence?
A: Lewis was sentenced to 37 months in prison with two years of supervised release.
Q: What did Lewis do during the Capitol riot?
A: Lewis sprayed wasp killer at officers and stole a police baton, which he used to smash a window into the Capitol building.
Q: How many people from Illinois have been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 riot?
A: More than 50 Illinois residents have faced criminal charges in connection with the Jan. 6 riot.
