A 41-year-old man from South Carolina, William Robert Norwood III, pleaded guilty to charges related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach.
His actions included breaking into then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office and facilitating the entry of additional rioters into the Capitol. Norwood pleaded guilty to obstruction of law enforcement during a civil disorder, as announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Norwood traveled from South Carolina to Washington, D.C., to attend then-President Donald Trump’s rally. He entered the Capitol through the northwest Senate Wing door shortly before 2:30 p.m. Inside, he recorded videos of himself making inflammatory comments, such as Well we in this b— now. What now This is our house,” and in Pelosi’s office, he swiped a coaster featuring the Congressional seal.
After exiting Pelosi’s office, he attempted to force open the East Rotunda doors, which were guarded by Capitol police officers. Despite being told to stop, he managed to push the doors open, allowing hundreds of rioters to enter the building.
He continued to record videos, expressing hostility towards the police and discussing intentions to “attack” later.
Following the events of January 6, Norwood’s relatives informed the FBI about his involvement, leading to further investigation.
Text messages revealed he expressed a desire to dress like Antifa to evade detection and boasted about taking items from police, including a helmet and body armor.
During a voluntary interview with the FBI, Norwood admitted to entering the Capitol but denied assaulting any officers, claiming instead that he attempted to help them.
However, his statements were contradicted by evidence, including surveillance footage.
Norwood is scheduled to be sentenced on February 21, 2025.