The Gist: William McCall Calhoun Jr., an attorney from Americus, faces 18 months in prison for his role during the U.S. Capitol breach on Jan. 6, 2021.
What Happened?: Calhoun took part in the disruption of a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to verify the 2020 presidential electoral votes. Charged with obstruction of an official proceeding and other offenses, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich gave her verdict on March 21, in the District of Columbia. Calhoun, who is 60, was sentenced August 4.
Besides jail time, Calhoun has 24 months of supervised release and must pay $2,000 in restitution.
Following the event, law enforcement got wind of McCall Calhoun, a criminal defense attorney, boasting about his involvement on social platforms like Parler, Facebook, and Twitter. Posts before the event even hinted at the upcoming disturbance. Evidence pinpoints Calhoun attending the “Stop the Steal” rally and later proceeding to the Capitol.
The journey took him from the West side of the grounds, passing through tear gas and smoke, to the Capitol’s East side. At the Senate Wing Door, he exclaimed, “This is it. We’re storming the Capitol.” Inside, he’s seen on video among other rioters banging on doors. One of his stops? Outside House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office.
By nightfall on Jan. 6, Calhoun bragged on Facebook about the group’s success in seizing control of the Capitol. However, his freedom was short-lived. By Jan. 15, 2021, he was under arrest in Macon.
By The Numbers:
- 18 months: The prison sentence for Calhoun.
- $2,000: Restitution ordered by the judge.
- 24 months: Supervised release post-prison for Calhoun.
Why It Matters:
The sentencing signifies the ongoing legal repercussions for those involved in the Capitol breach, ensuring accountability for actions that halted a significant democratic process.
What’s Next?:
While Calhoun faces his consequences, investigations continue, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia taking the lead. The FBI’s Atlanta Field Office steers the primary investigation, gaining help from the FBI’s Washington Field Office, U.S. Capitol Police, and the Metropolitan Police Department.
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