Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 76° Today's Paper


Top News

Woman accused of laptop theft from Pelosi’s office amid U.S. Capitol riot

ERIN SCHAFF/THE NEW YORK TIMES
                                A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6. Trump loyalists earned money by broadcasting their storming of the Capitol on a streaming site called Dlive, which is benefiting from the growing exodus of right-wing users from Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

ERIN SCHAFF/THE NEW YORK TIMES

A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6. Trump loyalists earned money by broadcasting their storming of the Capitol on a streaming site called Dlive, which is benefiting from the growing exodus of right-wing users from Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

HARRISBURG, Pa. >> FBI authorities are seeking a Pennsylvania woman in connection with the U.S. Capitol riot earlier this month after an accusation from a former romantic partner that she took a laptop from the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

The FBI said in an arrest warrant Sunday, however, that Riley June Williams hasn’t been charged with theft but only with illegally entering the Capitol and with disorderly conduct.

FBI officials said a caller claiming to be an ex of Williams said friends of hers showed him a video of her taking a laptop computer or hard drive from Pelosi’s office. The caller alleged that she intended to send the device to a friend in Russia who planned to sell it to that country’s foreign intelligence service, but that plan fell through and she either has the device or destroyed it. The FBI says the matter remains under investigation.

Pelosi’s deputy chief of staff, Drew Hammill, confirmed Jan. 8 that a laptop was taken from a conference room but said “it was a laptop that was only used for presentations.”

Williams’ mother, who lives with her in Harrisburg, told ITV reporters that her daughter had taken a sudden interest in President Donald Trump’s politics and “far-right message boards.” Her father, who lives in Camp Hill, told local law enforcement that he and his daughter went to Washington on the day of the protest but didn’t stay together, meeting up later to return to Harrisburg, the FBI said.

FBI officials said they believe Williams “has fled.” Her mother told local law enforcement that she packed a bag and left, saying she would be gone for a couple of weeks. She also changed her phone number and deleted a number of social media accounts, the FBI said. Court documents don’t list an attorney for her.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.