Evergreen Reporter

A South Carolina resident, William Robert Norwood III, has admitted guilt to a felony charge related to his involvement in the events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The disruption that day interrupted a joint session of Congress tasked with counting electoral votes from the 2020 presidential election.

Norwood, aged 41 and hailing from Greer, South Carolina, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols to obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder. His sentencing is scheduled for February 21, 2025.

Court documents reveal that Norwood traveled from South Carolina to Washington D.C. for then-President Trump's speech on January 6. Following the rally, he entered the restricted area of the Capitol building through the northwest Senate Wing door at approximately 2:23 p.m.

Inside the Capitol, Norwood recorded himself entering an office and made statements such as “Well we in this b— now. What now? This is our house,” and “Where you at Nancy?” Afterward, he moved through Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office suite and took a paper coaster with "U.S. Congress" printed on it.

Norwood proceeded to a balcony outside the Speaker's chamber where he filmed two videos of the crowd below. He was heard shouting phrases like “It’s our house b—” and urging police to leave.

Later, Norwood joined others attempting to force open doors guarded by U.S. Capitol Police officers despite being told they would not be opened. At around 2:38 p.m., he and other rioters managed to open these doors, allowing more individuals into the building.

While inside, Norwood recorded another video in which he expressed hostility towards law enforcement present at the scene before exiting through the East Rotunda door around 2:59 p.m., taking police equipment as he left.

The FBI apprehended Norwood on February 25, 2021, in South Carolina. The case was prosecuted by multiple offices including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and supported by various law enforcement agencies.

Since January 6, over 1,532 people across nearly all states have faced charges related to their actions during the Capitol breach; more than 571 face felony charges for assaulting or impeding law enforcement officers.

For those with information relevant to ongoing investigations can contact authorities via provided channels.