AUBURN, Ala. (WRBL) – A man from Auburn, Alabama was convicted on January 6, 2021 on charges stemming from his actions in the US Capitol Riot.
William Watson, 25, was found guilty of obstructing an official process and entering and remaining in a restricted building or premises with a dangerous weapon.
At the time of the incident, Watson was out on bail for previous drug offenses.
According to the Justice Department, Watson was part of the mob group that stormed the steps of the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Using a penknife, Watson allegedly tore fabric around the inauguration scaffolding to help the mob move further up the steps.
Watson reportedly entered the building through a window he helped break in at around 2:13 p.m. that day, making him among the first to enter. Once inside, Watson proceeded to the Ohio Clock Corridor near the Senate chambers, where he encountered law enforcement.
Watson was eventually escorted from the building by officers.
Watson later posted a photo of himself and others in the Ohio Clock Corridor on his Snapchat story. Part of the caption read, “The fake news will not win against the thousands of Patriots being recorded today.”
On May 4, 2021, Watson was arrested at his home. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for obstruction, along with a maximum of 10 years for entering and remaining in a restricted building or premises with a dangerous weapon. These charges may result in fines.
Watson was previously arrested in Auburn on July 2, 2020 on drug-related charges, including trafficking in marijuana and LSD and drug possession. He was released on $103,000 bail, which was later revoked.
“In the 22 months since January 6, 2021, nearly 900 people have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the US Capitol break-in, including over 275 people charged with assault or obstruction of law enforcement. The investigations are ongoing.”
– Ministry of Justice
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Mobile Field Office and its Auburn Resident Agency, as well as the FBI’s Washington field office, which Watson identified as 22nd in his “intelligence-seeking” photos. Assistance was also provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the US Capitol Police.