Capitol Riot

Rhode Island Man Charged in Jan. 6 Riot

The FBI continues to investigate the events of Jan. 6 and is still looking for the public's help to identify all the perpetrators

Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification.
Brent Stirton/Getty Images

A Rhode Island man has been charged in connection with the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol building, the FBI said Wednesday.

William B. Cotton, 53, of Hopkinton, Rhode Island, is accused of entering the Capitol along with thousands of other rioters on Jan. 6, 2021. He was arrested by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Cotton is charged with entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building or grounds and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building.

The FBI continues to investigate the events of Jan. 6 and is still looking for the public's help to identify all the perpetrators. Anyone with information can call them at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov

The Department of Justice has established a public database with information on the cases, including defendant names, charges, cases status and court case numbers.

Contact Us