William Lewis Sentenced to 3 Years in Prison for Assaulting Officers at Capitol Riot
William Lewis, a 58-year-old man from Burbank, was sentenced to three years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a felony count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers. The incident occurred during the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021. Lewis was handed a 37-month sentence with two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $3,761 in restitution.
Details of the Incident
According to prosecutors, Lewis traveled to Washington on the day of the rally to support Donald Trump and protest the results of the 2020 presidential election. Following the rally, Lewis headed to the building’s West Plaza, where a group of rioters was attempting to breach the Capitol building. He sprayed streams of wasp killer at officers multiple times, even spraying one officer in the mouth, causing a burning sensation on his face and eyes. Lewis then threw the empty can at officers before going to the Lower West Terrace, where he stole a police baton and used it to break windows into the Capitol building.
Arrest and Sentencing
Lewis was arrested in Burbank in November 2023 and subsequently sentenced to prison for his actions during the riot. This incident is part of a larger wave of cases involving over 50 Illinois residents and 1,500 individuals nationwide facing criminal charges in connection with the Capitol riot.
Trump’s Response
Former President Trump has promised to pardon many of those charged in the attack once he resumes office next week. This raises questions about the accountability and consequences for individuals involved in the riot, highlighting the ongoing impact of the events of January 6, 2021.
