Seminole County

Sanford firefighter placed on leave, under investigation for possible participation in Capitol riot

SANFORD, Fla. — The Sanford Fire Department said it has launched an administrative investigation into one of its firefighters for a possible role he played in the riots at the Capitol on Wednesday.

Officials said firefighter Andrew Williams, who has been with the department since 2016, is accused of being a part of the mob that stormed the Capitol.

READ: Four Florida men among those arrested for unlawful entry during riot in the Capitol

A spokesperson for the department said a photo shared from inside the Capitol does appear to show Williams inside the building.

“At this time, we are following the investigative process,” the department said. “The administrative investigation will look into all aspects of the nature of the photograph and will address any City policy and/or law violations that could possibly arise throughout the investigation.”

READ: FBI asking for help identifying rioters

The fire chief and union both declined providing a comment on Thursday.

Officials said Williams has been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.

Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.


Karen Parks

Karen Parks, WFTV.com

Karen Parks is a reporter at WFTV.

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.