Police urge judge to imprison pardoned January 6 rioter spotted lurking near Democratic politician's house

Law enforcement officials and prosecutors have appealed to a federal judge appointed by former President Trump to detain a pardoned participant in the January 6 events after he was reportedly seen near the home of Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin.

Taylor Taranto, who gained national attention in 2023 when arrested near former President Barack Obamas residence with a van containing firearms, ammunition, and explosive-making materials, has returned to Washington, D.C. He was reportedly observed near Raskins Maryland home on Tuesday, according to Politico.

The sighting prompted immediate concern from authorities, who requested that U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols take swift action. The judge indicated he would review the case in the coming weeks but allowed Taranto to spend the holidays at his home in Washington state.

The incident occurs amid rising political tensions and threats targeting federal officials, following events such as last years assassination attempt on Trump, the June killing of Democrat Melissa Hortman, and the September murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Following the report of Taranto near Raskins residence, the congressmans security detail was increased, and Capitol Police escorted him home, according to Axios. A House Democrat confirmed that Raskin briefed colleagues about the situation on Wednesday.

Tarantos attorney, Carmen Hernndez, disputed that he was near Raskins property, and Taranto himself declined to comment on the allegation.

Earlier this year, Nichols had convicted Taranto for the 2023 incident near Obamas home but did not impose additional jail time, citing his prior pretrial detention of approximately two years. Instead, Taranto was placed under supervised release.

On Thursday, Judge Nichols ordered Taranto to return to Washington state by Friday noon and prohibited him from returning to D.C. until early next year. A probation hearing is scheduled for December 10, with Nichols warning he is prepared to jail Taranto if he violates any court orders.

Author: Natalie Monroe