A man was found in possession of materials to construct explosives and had an active warrant related to the events of January 6.
Law enforcement authorities have apprehended a man in the vicinity of former President Barack Obama’s Washington, D.C. neighborhood
The suspect has been identified as Taylor Taranto, a 37-year-old individual hailing from Seattle, Washington, according to multiple sources. A law enforcement official familiar with the matter revealed that the Secret Service observed Taranto in close proximity to the Obama residence, prompting him to flee. The Secret Service pursued him and successfully apprehended him before he could reach the Obama home.
During the arrest, authorities discovered Taranto’s van parked nearby, which contained multiple weapons and materials resembling those used to create a Molotov cocktail. However, these components had not yet been assembled into a functioning explosive device, as confirmed by law enforcement officials knowledgeable about the incident. While Taranto had claimed to possess explosives, first responders only found the necessary materials to produce them.
U.S. officials expressed concern due to Taranto’s recent social media live streams, where he made threats against a public figure
Moreover, he had an active warrant related to the assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Officials noted that Taranto’s presence in Obama’s neighborhood was not accidental, indicating a deliberate intent.
A senior law enforcement official disclosed that Taranto had been residing in the Washington, D.C. area for a few months. He had been observed camping in his van near the D.C. jail, where numerous defendants from the January 6 incident are being held. Additionally, some of Taranto’s live streams were evidently posted while he was in the D.C. region.
Taranto has been charged with being a fugitive from justice by the Metropolitan Police Department. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. It remains unclear whether the Obamas were present at their residence during the time of the arrest.
READ ALSO: Los Angeles Police Shoots And Kills A Man Who Fired At Police Officer