New Delhi: A man identified as Taylor Taranto, 37, of Seattle, was apprehended by law enforcement officers Thursday near Barack Obama’s Washington, DC home. CBS News reported that Secret Service agents spotted Taranto near Obama’s home and began following him. Taranto attempted to flee to Obama’s residence, but was apprehended before he could get there.
During the arrest, officers found Taranto’s van parked nearby containing several weapons and materials that could be used to make an explosive device similar to a Molotov cocktail. However, as CBS News reports, the device was not assembled
Taranto recently made threats against a man on social media during a livestream, which raised concerns among US officials. Additionally, he has a warrant out for his involvement in the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol.
Officials said Taranto’s presence in Obama’s neighborhood was not accidental. He had been living in the DC area for a few months. He was often seen camping in his van near the DC Jail. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the charges against Taranto currently include being a fugitive from justice.
