PA woman accused of stealing Pelosi’s laptop amid Capitol riot

The FBI says in an arrest warrant filed Sunday that a Pennsylvania woman who was part of the mob that invaded the U.S. Capitol earlier this month stole a laptop computer from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office. The bureau is also investigating if the woman, named Riley June Williams, is trying to sell the device to Russia’s foreign intelligence agency.

The FBI explained that the charges include entering a restricted building, disrupting the orderly conduct of government and engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct.

FBI is investigating claims a pro-Trump supporter involved in the Capitol siege – and identified by ITV News – tried to sell a stolen computer to Russia, Global Security Editor @RohitKachrooITV
has learned https://t.co/e71166PDBG

— ITV News (@itvnews) January 18, 2021

According to a 6abc Action News report, 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 agency says the matter remains under investigation.

Only for presentations

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.”

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 do not list an attorney for her.

You can read: Pennsylvania is getting ready to face armed protests

Williams’ is among more than 200 case files that have been opened since supporters of President Trump forced their way into the Capitol building as Congress confirmed Joe Biden’s election win.