A January 6th defendant, Taylor Taranto, 37, from Washington state, was apprehended near former President Barack Obama's residence in Washington D.C. He was found in possession of weapons and materials for constructing an explosive device. Authorities allege Taranto threatened to detonate a van at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and also made threats against a congressman. The arrest occurred on June 29th in the Kalorama neighborhood, with the Secret Service leading the operation.
According to court documents, Taranto live-streamed himself on YouTube the day before his arrest, claiming to have a detonator and expressing his intention to destroy his "self-driving" vehicle at NIST. Prosecutors highlighted his statements where he described his plan as a "one-way mission" and how the vehicle's autonomous capabilities would allow him to be distant from the explosion. Additional felony charges are expected to be filed against him in the coming days.
Taranto's online activities had been under FBI surveillance due to his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot. On the day of his arrest, a warrant was issued for his alleged actions on that day. He then live-streamed himself in the vicinity of the Obamas' home, making concerning remarks about seeking "entrance points" and "tunnels" beneath the houses. Prosecutors also revealed he had shared Obama's address, allegedly reposted from Donald Trump's Truth Social platform, and made threatening comments about the Obamas and John Podesta on Telegram.
Following a brief pursuit, Taranto was apprehended. A bomb squad and K9 unit were dispatched to the scene, where gunpowder was detected in his van. Firearms, ammunition, and other materials were also discovered inside the vehicle. Days prior, Taranto had live-streamed himself and others at a Maryland elementary school near Congressman Jamie Raskin's home, claiming he targeted the school to send a "shockwave" through the congressman. He also made threatening remarks about House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in a separate livestream.
Prosecutors are seeking Taranto's detainment. He has not yet entered a plea regarding the January 6th charges.
