A man from Burbank, Illinois, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot.
William Lewis, 58, admitted to a felony charge of assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers. His sentence includes 37 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and an order to pay $3,761 in restitution.
Prosecutors said Lewis drove to Washington, D.C., to join other Donald Trump supporters protesting the results of the 2020 presidential election. After attending the rally, he went to the Capitol’s West Plaza, where police were trying to stop rioters from advancing.
Lewis used a can of wasp spray on officers four times until the can was empty. One officer said the spray hit his mouth, causing a burning sensation in his face and eyes. Afterward, Lewis threw the empty can at the officers.
Later, he moved to the Capitol’s Lower West Terrace, where he stole a police baton. He used the baton to smash three window panes of the Capitol building.
Lewis was arrested in Burbank in November 2023.
So far, over 50 people from Illinois and more than 1,500 nationwide have faced charges related to the January 6 riot. Former President Donald Trump has stated that he plans to pardon many of those involved once he assumes office again.
