| Byron Williams | |
|---|---|
Byron Williams, shooter |
|
| Born | 1965 |
| Parents | Janice Williams |
Byron Williams (age 45, as of 2010) is an American responsible for the July 18, 2010 shootout[1] with California Highway Patrol officers on I-580 in Oakland, California. According to police, Williams planned to attack the San Francisco ACLU and Tides Foundation, with the intention of "starting a revolution." [2] Williams is a multiple-felon, who had previously been convicted twice for bank robbery.
Williams stated that the idea to go after the Tides Foundation and the ACLU was inspired by the conspiracy theories of conservative pundit Glenn Beck.[3][4]
Until the time of his arrest, Williams had been living with his mother, Janice Williams, in the rural town of Groveland, California (population approximately 4000). News media have reported that Williams was 45 years old in 2010.[5]
On July 18, 2010 two California Highway Patrol officers attempted to stop Williams, whose speeding pickup truck was seen on westbound Interstate 580 weaving through traffic. Williams stopped his truck in the middle of the freeway, then started firing a handgun at the officers. Williams, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, did not surrender until he was struck by numerous bullets.[6]The shootout lasted for 12 minutes. [7]
Williams was attempting to "start a revolution" by attacking the ACLU and the Tides Foundation. His main source of inspiration was Glenn Beck, and he was also inspired by David Horowitz and Alex Jones.[8]