A Man's Prank Near Obama's Home Leads to Big Trouble

A man from Washington state, Taylor Taranto, recently got off with time served for a hoax threat near former President Barack Obama's home. This stunt happened two years ago and caused a huge law enforcement response, including a bomb squad and sniffer dogs. Taranto spent 22 months in a D. C. jail while waiting for his trial. He was accused of saying his van had explosives, but none were found. However, authorities did find guns and a machete in his van. Judge Carl Nichols noted that Taranto had no criminal history. This is partly because the Justice Department had dropped earlier charges against him for his role in the January 6th Capitol riot. President Trump had pardoned Taranto and many other January 6th defendants earlier this year. The January 6th riot and its aftermath continue to cause ripples, especially within the U. S. Attorney's office in Washington. Trump and his administration are trying to rewrite the history of that day, even firing or pushing out law enforcement officials who investigated the riot. Recently, the Justice Department sidelined two experienced prosecutors who worked on Taranto's case. They also withdrew a sentencing memo filed by these prosecutors. U. S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that they take threats against law enforcement and government officials very seriously. The original sentencing memo mentioned a "mob of rioters" attacking the Capitol and Taranto heading towards Obama's home after Trump shared an address on social media. A new memo, filed by different DOJ lawyers, removed these references. Judge Nichols found it unclear why the original memo was sealed and intended to release it unless the DOJ had a good reason to keep it hidden. Judge Nichols praised the sidelined prosecutors, Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White, for their excellent work. Pirro declined to comment on the personnel decisions or the revocation of the original sentencing memo. Taranto, a Navy veteran with two children, has returned home. He must undergo a mental health assessment, avoid firearms and drugs, and serve three years of supervised release. His defense attorney, Carmen Hernandez, argued that Taranto's actions were not violent, as the firearms were locked in his van.