Florida man livestreams himself trying to kill a cop

A man was sentenced to life in prison for attempting to kill police officers in Orlando, Florida.

The incident occurred on September 25, 2021, when two uniformed Orlando officers were injured during a brawl with McClish. William McClish had positioned his phone against a trash can, capturing the officers in the camera’s view before he began his attack.

A struggle ensued when another officer, and a witness tried to subdue him. McClish bit the second officer, gouged one of his eyes, and attempted to take an officer’s gun. When an officer tried to call for backup, McClish ripped off his radio.

He resisted arrest until additional officers arrived on the scene after a few minutes and took him into custody.

According to officials, McClish livestreamed the attack on Facebook. 

Investigators found a previously recorded video on his phone where he stated, “I’m gonna kill him on live,” indicating premeditation.

The 29-year-old man represented himself in court and was found guilty of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer by a jury in less than an hour, according to State Attorney Andrew Bain of the Ninth Judicial Circuit.

McClish gave a brief opening statement before the court. He said, "I didn’t do it and the evidence was tampered with."

Alongside attempted murder, McClish was convicted of resisting an officer with violence, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer causing great bodily harm, depriving an officer of means of protection/communication, and attempted deprivation of an officer's means of protection/communication.

McClish's actions during and after the attack, including his boasting while in jail, contributed to the jury's decision and his subsequent sentencing to life in prison.