Jan. 6 defendant arrested near Obama’s home, threatened to blow up van at government facility, feds say

A Jan. 6 defendant who was arrested near the home of former President Barack Obama in Washington, D.C., with weapons and ammunition in his van had threatened to blow up the vehicle at a government facility the day before, federal prosecutors alleged in a new court filing.

Taylor Taranto, a 37-year-old from Washington state, was taken into custody in Obama’s Kalorama neighborhood on June 29 after Secret Service agents spotted him several blocks from the residence. He was wanted on an arrest warrant related to his alleged actions on Jan. 6 and faces four misdemeanor charges related to the riot. Prosecutors have indicated they could bring additional charges.

At a hearing over whether Taranto should remain behind bars pending trial, Magistrate Judge Zia Faruqui said late Wednesday that he would need to hear further argument and consider case law before issuing a ruling on prosecutors’ request. Taranto’s defense attorney strongly disagreed with prosecutors’ conclusions, saying Taranto doesn’t pose a flight risk and should be released.

Read more: CBS News