Jan. 6 Defendant Who Allegedly Brought Guns to Obama’s House Wants Pardon

A January 6 defendant facing multiple charges for allegedly showing up to former President Barack Obama’s house with guns, ammunition and supplies for an explosive device in 2023 is asking for a pardon.

Carmen D. Hernandez, a lawyer representing defendant Taylor Taranto, filed a motion to dismiss all counts in his client’s indictment on February 3.

Taranto was indicted on 11 charges last year. Five of those charges stemmed from his alleged participation in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, while the other six stemmed from his alleged activity on June 29, 2023.

Why It Matters

On January 25, U.S. Attorney for the District of Colombia Edward R. Martin, Jr. filed a motion to dismiss the charges against Taranto related to January 6, 2021. Martin cited an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, which granted “a full, complete and unconditional pardon” to individuals convicted of offenses “related to events that occurred at or near the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.”

In the motion to dismiss, Hernandez argued that Taranto’s conduct in June 2023 is “directly related” to the Capitol riot.

“In every pleading filed by the government in this case, they argue – explicitly or implicitly – that the J6 and June 2023 conduct are related,” Hernandez wrote.

What To Know

Hernandez argued that, in several cases, the government has interpreted Trump’s executive order as applicable to actions that happened “on dates other than January 6 and in locations other than the Capitol.”

Martin opposed the motion in a court document filed on Tuesday. He argued that the pardon granted by Trump is limited by time and location.

“These counts are wholly unrelated to the events of January 6, 2021, are not covered by the pardon, and should not be dismissed,” Martin said.

Martin also pushed back on the legal precedent cited by Hernandez, including two cases where the dismissed charges included failure to appear in connection with the January 6 cases.

“Those cases are inapposite to the facts here,” Martin said.

Who Is Taylor Taranto?

Taranto, 39, is a Washington state resident. He is an honorably discharged U.S. Navy veteran who is married with two children, according to Hernandez’s motion.

In addition to the criminal charges, Taranto is also facing a wrongful-death lawsuit, alleging that he attacked a Capitol Police officer who later died by suicide after suffering from “severe depression” and a “brain injury.”

When Was Taranto Arrested?

Taranto was arrested on June 29, 2023, after being seen near Obama’s home in the Kalorama neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

Prosecutors allege that Taranto was storing weapons, including firearms and ammunition, in a van parked near the former president’s house.

How Many People Have Been Charged In Relation To The January 6 Attack On The U.S. Capitol?

Over 1,500 people have been charged in relation to the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol.

What People Are Saying

Carmen D. Hernandez, Taylor Taranto’s lawyer, in the motion to dismiss: “As a pardon ceases all litigation, Mr. Taranto moves this Court to dismiss his entire case.”

U.S. Attorney for the District of Colombia Edward R. Martin, Jr., in his opposition: “Taranto’s actions in June 2023 in Washington, D.C., were not offenses occurring at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.”

What Happens Next

District Judge Carl J. Nichols, who is presiding over the case, has yet to rule on Taranto’s motion to dismiss all charges.

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