Andrew James Williams.Photo: Sanford Fire Department
A Florida firefighter and paramedic was arrested Tuesday after he was caught on videos taken during the failed insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol last week.
Andrew James Williams was arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, Spectrum News 13reported.
Williams was seen in photos and videos among the crowd that breached the Capitol building on Wednesday, sending members of Congress into lockdown and interrupting the certification of President-electJoe Biden’s win.
Congress reconvened hours later, after the Capitol was cleared, and completed the certification process.
Andrew James Williams.Sanford Fire Department
In one photo, Williams is seen standing below a sign for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He wore a Trump hat and did not have a protective covering over his face.
Williams has been placed on administrative leave during an investigation, Sanford Mayor Art Woodruff said in astatement.
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“The City of Sanford is aware of the situation involving Sanford Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Williams,” Woodruff said in the statement, which is posted on the fire department’s website. “At this time, we are following the investigative process. The administrative investigation will look into all aspects of the nature of the photograph and will address any City policy and/or law violations that could possibly arise throughout the investigation.”
The rioting left five people dead, and the FBI has asked the public for help identifying people who participated in the violence. Several United States Capitol Police officers have beensuspended for their behaviorduring the riot,Chief Yogananda Pittmansaid Monday, saying they “appear to be in violation of Department regulations and policies” in videos and other sources.
Law enforcement officials from the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have warned that rioters who entered the U.S. Capitol would be tracked down and charged.
“Regardless of if it was just a trespass in the Capitol or if someone planted a pipe bomb, you will be charged and you will be found,” Michael Sherwin, the Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, said Tuesday.
source: people.com
