William McCall Calhoun Jr., a practicing attorney from Americus, Georgia, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for his involvement in the breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Along with other individuals, Calhoun disrupted a joint session of Congress that was in progress to certify the electoral votes of the 2020 presidential election. In addition to the prison sentence, Calhoun will serve 24 months of supervised release and pay restitution of $2,000. His conviction comes after evidence presented by the government, which showed his participation in the “Stop the Steal” rally and subsequent entry into the Capitol building. Calhoun expressed his intentions to storm the Capitol and was witnessed among other rioters who were searching for people. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with valuable assistance provided by the Middle District of Georgia and the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office, among others.
Background
Actions During the Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
On January 6, 2021, a breach of the U.S. Capitol occurred, disrupting a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was convened to count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election. One individual involved in this breach was William McCall Calhoun, Jr., a practicing attorney from Americus, Georgia. Calhoun’s actions, along with those of others, resulted in the obstruction of an official proceeding and various other charges.
Defendant’s Identity and Occupation
William McCall Calhoun, Jr., 60, is a practicing attorney in the state of Georgia. He was identified as one of the individuals involved in the Capitol breach on January 6th.
Sentencing and Verdict
Court Proceedings
The case against William McCall Calhoun, Jr. was heard in a bench trial by U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich. On March 21, 2023, Judge Friedrich delivered her verdict on the case in the District of Columbia.
Prison Sentence
As a result of his actions during the Capitol breach, Calhoun was sentenced to 18 months in prison for obstruction of an official proceeding, a felony. In addition to this prison sentence, Judge Friedrich ordered Calhoun to serve 24 months of supervised release and pay restitution of $2,000.
Supervised Release and Restitution
In addition to the prison sentence, Calhoun was also ordered to serve 24 months of supervised release. This means that following his release from prison, he will be subject to certain conditions and supervision by a probation officer.
Furthermore, Calhoun was ordered to pay restitution of $2,000. This restitution is meant to compensate for any damages or losses incurred as a result of his actions during the Capitol breach.
Evidence and Investigation
Social Media Posts
According to the government’s evidence, prior to January 6th, Calhoun made posts on Parler, Facebook, and Twitter about his involvement in the Capitol riot. These social media posts served as crucial evidence in identifying Calhoun and linking him to the breach.
Participation in ‘Stop the Steal’ Rally
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Calhoun attended the “Stop the Steal” rally on January 6th before making his way to the Capitol building. This further established his involvement in the events leading up to the breach.
Entry into the Capitol Building
As the events unfolded, Calhoun entered the Capitol building through the broken Senate Wing Door. Video evidence captured his movements within the building, including encounters with police, searching for people, and ultimately making his way to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office.
Actions Within the Capitol
Encounters with Police
As Calhoun walked through the Capitol, he encountered a police line in the Crypt area. Despite this encounter, he continued to move back and forth from the Rotunda multiple times before finally leaving through the East side of the Capitol.
Search for People
Video evidence showed Calhoun among other rioters who were pounding on doors and walls as they passed by members’ offices. Calhoun himself stated in a video that they were “looking for people,” indicating a deliberate and targeted search within the Capitol.
Presence at Speaker Pelosi’s Office
Calhoun made it to the outside of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office, demonstrating a clear intent to reach high-ranking officials and potentially engage in further unlawful activities.
Post-Incident Statements
Facebook Announcement
On the same day as the Capitol breach, Calhoun posted on Facebook, stating, “Today the American People proved we have the power. We physically took control of the Capitol building in a hand to hand hostile takeover. We occupied the Capitol and shut down the Government – we shut down their stolen election shenanigans…”
This post served as a public declaration of Calhoun’s involvement in the breach and his belief that the actions carried out were justified.
Arrest Details
Calhoun was eventually arrested on January 15, 2021, in Macon, Georgia, following an investigation into his role in the Capitol breach. The arrest marked a significant step in holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Prosecution and Assistance
Prosecution by U.S. Attorney’s Office for District of Columbia
The case against William McCall Calhoun, Jr. was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. The prosecution team worked diligently to present the evidence and arguments necessary to secure a conviction.
Assistance from Middle District of Georgia
Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia. This collaboration ensured a comprehensive and thorough investigation into Calhoun’s actions.
Investigation by FBI’s Atlanta Field Office
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office. The agents involved in the investigation played a crucial role in gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and identifying the extent of Calhoun’s involvement.
Assistance from FBI’s Washington Field Office, U.S. Capitol Police, and Metropolitan Police Department
Additional valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, as well as the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department. The collective effort of these law enforcement agencies ensured a thorough investigation and prosecution of the case.
In conclusion, the sentencing and verdict of William McCall Calhoun, Jr. serve as a reminder of the consequences individuals may face for their actions during the Capitol breach on January 6th, 2021. This comprehensive article provides a detailed account of Calhoun’s involvement, the court proceedings, and the evidence and investigation that led to his conviction. The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and the diligence of the prosecution team illustrate the commitment to upholding the rule of law and holding those accountable for the events that unfolded on that fateful day.