A January 6 defendant pardoned by former President Donald Trump is facing new legal issues after resurfacing in the Washington, D.C. area. Reports say he was spotted wandering near the neighborhood of Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md.
New Concerns After Return to D.C.
Taylor Taranto had earlier been convicted for threatening Raskin and former President Barack Obama. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols ordered him on Thursday to return immediately to his home in Washington state. Politico reported that Nichols is still weighing a request from federal prosecutors to jail Taranto.
Probation Officer Flags Troubling Behavior
Taranto’s probation officer told the court that local police saw him near Raskin’s home in Takoma Park on Tuesday morning. The officer said Taranto was living in his van and streaming on Rumble. Taranto described himself online as an “independent journalist investigating major crimes.”
Raskin’s office did not comment when contacted by Fox News Digital.
Hoax Threat and Previous Incidents
Nichols also convicted Taranto earlier this year for recording a hoax bomb threat against a government building in Maryland. Taranto made headlines in 2023 when he walked into a Maryland elementary school while livestreaming threats aimed at Raskin.
Prosecutors noted that Taranto told viewers he chose the school because it was close to Raskin’s home. He claimed he targeted the congressman because “he hates January 6 people,” adding that he wanted to “send a shockwave.”
Prosecutors Warn of Escalating Behavior
Assistant U.S. Attorney Travis Wolf argued during a closed session that Taranto’s latest return to D.C. and his renewed livestreams raise serious concerns. Wolf said Taranto’s actions suggest he is “on the path” toward the behavior that triggered charges in 2023. Prosecutors also cited mental health concerns and violations of his supervised release.
Defense Requests Time and Holiday Travel
Taranto’s attorney asked the judge for more time to review the case. He also requested that Taranto be allowed to spend the holidays with his family in Washington state. Taranto promised to drive home by noon on Friday.
Judge Issues Firm Warning
Judge Nichols said he will rule soon on whether Taranto should be detained. He ordered Taranto to attend a probation hearing in Washington state on December 10. Nichols also warned that he is “absolutely prepared” to take Taranto into custody if any of his instructions are ignored.
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