Former Jan. 6 Rioter Taylor Taranto Arrested After Being Found Outside Obama’s Home With Guns and Ammunition

Taylor Taranto, a Washington state resident, was arrested last week after he was spotted outside the home of former President Barack Obama with two guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in his van. Taranto is currently facing four misdemeanor charges related to his alleged involvement in the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, and prosecutors have indicated that more charges could be on the way.

On Wednesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui ordered Taranto to be detained until trial. Faruqui argued that the government had presented “clear and convincing evidence” that no combination of conditions could ensure the safety of the community. Taranto had been living in his van, which was often parked outside of the D.C. jail where many Jan. 6 defendants are being held, for the past couple of months.

The Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol was one of the most violent and chaotic events in recent American history. Hundreds of people, including Taranto, are facing charges related to the attack. Taranto was identified by online sleuths nearly two years ago, but he was not arrested until last week.

The arrest of Taranto is a reminder of the ongoing investigation into the events of Jan. 6. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are still working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack. It is unclear at this time what additional charges Taranto may face, but it is clear that the investigation into the Capitol riot is far from over.