Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) had his security increased this week after Taylor Taranto, a pardoned Jan. 6 defendant previously convicted for threatening Raskin and former President Obama, was allegedly seen near the Maryland congressman’s residence.
The incident underscores the growing security concerns facing Democratic lawmakers, who have reported a surge in threats to themselves and their offices. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said earlier this week that his New York offices received multiple bomb threats, while other Democrats involved in urging military personnel to resist unlawful orders have reported increased threats following comments from former President Trump.
Local police reportedly spotted Taranto near Raskin’s Takoma Park, Md., home on Monday night, according to federal probation officer Sean Stallman during a Thursday arraignment in Washington, D.C. Taranto, a Washington state resident, has been living out of his van in D.C. and streaming on Rumble, describing himself as an “independent journalist investigating major crimes.”
Raskin notified his colleagues the following day, and Capitol Police temporarily increased his protection, escorting him home from votes on Wednesday.
Taranto’s attorney, Carmen Hernandez, disputes the alleged parole violations that led to the court hearing, including claims that he was outside Raskin’s home. Taranto has not commented on the matter.