Washington, D.C. — A federal judge on Thursday sentenced Taylor Taranto, a Washington state resident, to time served for making a hoax threat near the D.C. home of former President Barack Obama two years ago—a scare that triggered a large-scale law enforcement response including a bomb squad, tactical units, and K-9 teams.
Taranto, 37, spent nearly 22 months in custody at the troubled D.C. jail facility while awaiting trial. Prosecutors initially claimed he suggested his vehicle was rigged with explosives, though investigators never found any bombs. Officers did, however, seize firearms and a machete stored in the van.
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols noted that Taranto had no prior criminal record. That lack of record stems partly from the Justice Department’s earlier move to dismiss multiple charges connected to his involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Taranto was later granted clemency by President Donald Trump during Trump’s first day back in the White House earlier this year, a move that extended to nearly every January 6 defendant.
Political Pressure Shadows Prosecutorial Decisions
The case arrives amid growing concern about internal pressure within the Justice Department. Senior prosecutors who worked on Capitol riot cases have been forced out or removed, fueling accusations that federal officials are attempting to revise the historical record surrounding January 6.
This week, the DOJ unexpectedly reassigned two veteran prosecutors on Taranto’s case and withdrew their original sentencing memo. That document described January 6 as an assault by a “mob of rioters” on the seat of government—and referenced Taranto traveling toward Obama’s residence after Trump reposted the address online.
The replacement memo, filed by new DOJ attorneys, omitted both details entirely. The original filing is now sealed on the court’s electronic docket system, sparking questions about transparency.
Judge Nichols expressed concern in open court, saying it was “not entirely clear” how the original document ended up sealed. He signaled his intention to release it unless the DOJ can justify continued secrecy.
Judge Praises Ousted Prosecutors
Though the judge avoided pressing the new attorneys for answers, he publicly commended the sidelined prosecutors, Carlos Valdivia and Samuel White.
“They did a commendable and excellent job,” Nichols said. “They upheld the highest standards of professionalism.”
Both attorneys watched quietly from the gallery, surrounded by several colleagues who have also been removed from Capitol riot-related assignments this year.
Justice Department Silent on Personnel Moves
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro declined to address personnel changes directly. In a statement, she emphasized the seriousness of threats against government officials:
“We take violence and threats of violence extremely seriously. We will continue to pursue justice vigorously, regardless of political affiliation.”
Pressed about the sealed sentencing memo at a separate press conference, Pirro refused to comment further.
Defense: ‘Nothing Violent Occurred’
Taranto’s attorney, Carmen Hernandez, argued her client never committed an act of violence and noted that the weapons were stored in a locked section of his vehicle.
Taranto, a Navy veteran and father of two, was ordered to serve three years of supervised release, undergo mental health evaluation, and refrain from possessing firearms or controlled substances.
Before sentencing concluded, Taranto used his brief remarks to speak broadly about the nation’s founding, historical grievances, and alleged fraud in the 2020 election—a topic courts and election officials have repeatedly dismissed.
He has signaled plans to appeal.