A man with guns was arrested near the Washington, D.C. home of former President Barack Obama last week after attempting to evade the Secret Service, according to court documents filed by prosecutors. The individual, identified as Taylor Taranto, allegedly made several concerning statements while livestreaming outside the Obama home, prompting the federal government to request his detention pending trial on misdemeanor charges related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Prosecutors have accused Taranto of re-posting an address of the Obama home that was shared by former President Donald Trump on the social media platform Truth Social. Additionally, they claim that Taranto made threats to lawmakers and public figures, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, former President Obama, and former Obama aide and Biden White House official John Podesta. The government alleges that Taranto’s actions demonstrate a continuation of the motivations that led him to breach the Capitol on January 6, as he continues to communicate threats to those who oppose his views.
Furthermore, prosecutors have stated that Taranto used his YouTube channel to livestream himself at a Maryland elementary school, where he walked around the premises and projected footage related to the January 6 attack. The location of the school was chosen due to its proximity to the residence of Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democrat on the House’s previous January 6 committee and a prominent critic of former President Trump. Taranto did not disclose Raskin’s address during the livestream, indicating his desire to confront Raskin personally.
Taranto’s lack of a fixed address has posed challenges for law enforcement in locating and apprehending him. The detention memo reveals that Taranto has 20 registered firearms, two of which were found in his vehicle during his arrest. The remaining 18 firearms are reported as being unaccounted for. Moreover, Taranto allegedly fought with other rioters in the Capitol on January 6 using a cane that prosecutors claim was intended to be used as a weapon.
In June, Taranto was allegedly involved in offensive behavior towards other protestors outside the D.C. jail, resulting in him being banned from the area. Reports indicate that he exhibited erratic and incoherent behavior during this time.
As the case against Taranto unfolds, federal prosecutors are focused on demonstrating that his actions have exemplified a persistent threat to those who oppose his views and that he poses a danger to society. The upcoming detention hearing will determine whether Taranto will be held in custody pending his trial.
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