Fugitive Jan. 6 suspect arrested near Obama's home with weapons, explosives materials, police say

Police in Washington, D.C., arrested a 37-year-old man near former President Barack Obama's house on Thursday, finding weapons, several hundred rounds of ammunition and material for explosive devices in the nearby converted van that doubled as his home, law enforcement sources told multiple news organizations. Secret Service agents spotted the man, identified as Taylor Taranto of Seattle, a few blocks from the Obama residence, then chased him as he fled toward Obama's house, CBS News reported.
Taranto — a "conspiracy-minded Donald Trump supporter," according to NBC News — had "livestreamed his activities before his arrest, including as he drove into the neighborhood," The New York Times reported. He said on the livestream he wanted to talk with Democratic official John Podesta, and he tried to take photos of a house from a wooded area. "I'm outside Barack Obama's house," Taranto said at one point, according to the Times.
Earlier Thursday, "a Truth Social account" believed to be Taranto's "re-posted a Trump post that included what is alleged to be the address of Obama's home in Washington and noted that the home is near a mosque," NBC News reported. "'Got them surrounded!' the Truth Social account wrote."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Taranto was arrested as a fugitive from justice on an "active Jan. 6-related warrant" issued by the Capitol Police, CBS News reported, though he has not been charged in relation to the riot. Taranto has posted videos of himself inside the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, siege, NBC News said, and he has been camping out of his van near the D.C. jail where many Jan. 6 defendants are being held.
The widow of a D.C. police officer who died by suicide after the riot has sued Taranto and another man, David Walls-Kaufman, who is already serving time for his role in the Jan. 6 siege. Taranto, who is representing himself in the lawsuit, denied handing Walls-Kaufman the pipe or cane he allegedly used to strike the officer on the face.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
The Week Unwrapped: How is professional sport dealing with dementia?
Podcast Plus, is fossil-fuel advertising on borrowed time? And do male authors need more support?
-
The week's best photos
In Pictures Finger wrestling, a race for waiters, and more
-
Quiz of The Week: 26 April - 2 May
Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
-
Trump blames Biden for tariffs-linked contraction
speed read The US economy shrank 0.3% in the first three months of 2025, the Commerce Department reported
-
Trump says he could bring back Ábgego García but won't
Speed Read At a rally to mark his 100th day in office, the president doubled down on his unpopular immigration and economic policies
-
Canada's Liberals, Carney win national election
Speed Read The party of Prime Minister Mark Carney beat Conservative Pierre Poilievre thanks in part to Trump's trade war
-
Reining in Iran: Talks instead of bombs
Feature Trump edges closer to a nuclear deal with Iran—but is it too similar to former President Barack Obama's pact?
-
Trump's 100-day approval ratings at historic low
Speed Read Americans appear to be wary of Trump's sweeping tariffs and handling of the economy
-
Judge blocks key part of Trump's elections overhaul
Speed Read Colleen Kollar-Kotelly's decision temporarily bars federal officials from requiring Americans to prove they are citizens to register to vote
-
Hegseth's chief of staff joins Pentagon exodus
Speed Read Joe Kasper has stepped down, leaving the Defense Secretary 'increasingly isolated'
-
A dozen states sue Trump to halt tariffs
Speed Read The states sued in the US Court of International Trade, seeking to stop tariffs they say will damage their economies