Andrew Taake Faces Unresolved Solicitation Charge After Capitol Attack Pardon
Andrew Taake, a Capitol attacker pardoned by Trump, faces unresolved solicitation charges for allegedly trying to solicit a minor. His legal troubles continue despite the pardon granted in 2021.
Andrew Taake, 36, a convicted attacker from the US Capitol incident, is now confronted with an unresolved charge of soliciting a minor. Taake assaulted police with bear spray and a metal whip during the January 6 uprising when supporters of then-President Trump attempted to overturn the election results.
In December 2023, Taake pleaded guilty in federal court to assaulting police with a dangerous weapon and was sentenced to imprisonment until 2027 with supervised release until 2030, according to the Houston Chronicle.
He had been pardoned by Trump on January 20, the first day of Trump's second presidency, as part of a blanket clemency for individuals involved in the Capitol attack. However, this pardon did not absolve him of all legal troubles.
State prosecutors in Houston previously charged Taake in 2016 for allegedly soliciting someone he believed was under 17 years of age for a sexual encounter, a charge that could result in a third-degree felony and up to ten years in prison.
Despite Taake being out on $20,000 bail during the Capitol assault, the unresolved solicitation charge has led local prosecutors to label him a wanted fugitive. His whereabouts remain unclear as he was not in custody three days following the announcement.
The decision by Trump to grant pardons has generated significant backlash, particularly from law enforcement groups, citing concerns over accountability and the impact on public safety.
