A man who was wanted by authorities for making a bomb threat against former President Barack Obama was arrested near Obama’s home in Martha’s Vineyard on Wednesday.
The suspect, who has not been identified, was arrested after a brief standoff with police. He was taken into custody without incident.
The bomb threat was made on Tuesday, and authorities issued an alert for the suspect. He was described as a white male in his 40s, with a medium build and brown hair.
On Wednesday, police received a tip that the suspect was in the area of Obama’s home. They responded to the scene and found the suspect in a car.
Secret Service reportedly spotted the suspect — identified by NBC News and CBS News as 37-year-old Taylor Taranto — a couple of blocks from Obama’s home and, when chased, he allegedly took off running toward the home, but was stopped before he got there.
The suspect refused to cooperate with police and made threats to harm himself and others.
After a brief standoff, police were able to take the suspect into custody. He was not injured in the arrest.
The suspect is being held in custody and is facing charges of making a bomb threat and threatening to commit a crime of violence.
CBS News said that the suspect had a history of making “disturbing social media threats against a public figure,” according to law enforcement sources, and had “an open warrant on charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021″ riot.
The report said that he had “weapons” on him when he was arrested.
The FBI is investigating the incident, and authorities are still trying to determine the suspect’s motive.
In a statement, Obama said that he was “grateful to the law enforcement officials who took swift action to apprehend the suspect.”
“This was a serious threat, and I’m glad that everyone is safe,” Obama said.
Armed Suspect Wanted By Authorities Arrested Near Obama’s Home After Bomb Threat: Reports https://t.co/8ShLqy567d pic.twitter.com/TJJAfJ5Ru7
— Daily Wire News (@DailyWireNews) June 29, 2023
