Florida Man Pardoned for Capitol Riot Rearrested on Federal Gun Charges

Homosassa, Florida — Daniel Charles Ball, a 39 year old resident of Homosassa, was arrested on Wednesday on federal gun charges, just one day after receiving a presidential pardon for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

Ball had been facing multiple charges related to the Capitol attack, including assaulting police officers with a deadly weapon. He was accused of throwing an explosive device at law enforcement during the riot, leading to injuries among officers. Following his arrest in May 2023, Ball was detained without bond and was awaiting trial in Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump issued pardons to over 1,500 individuals connected to the January 6 events, including Ball. This led to the dismissal of his riot-related charges.

However, federal authorities in Florida had an outstanding indictment against Ball for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In August 2023, law enforcement discovered a .22-caliber rifle and ammunition at his residence. Ball's prior convictions include domestic violence battery by strangulation and resisting law enforcement with violence, making it illegal for him to possess firearms.

The swift rearrest underscores the complexities surrounding the recent pardons. While the presidential pardon absolved Ball of his actions during the Capitol riot, it did not extend to unrelated charges. Legal experts note that a presidential pardon does not preclude prosecution for separate offenses.

Ball's case is particularly notable as he is among the first of those pardoned for January 6 related offenses to be rearrested on separate charges. This development has reignited discussions about the scope and implications of presidential pardons, especially concerning individuals with prior criminal records.

As the legal proceedings unfold, Ball remains in custody awaiting further action on the federal gun charges. His arrest serves as a reminder that while a presidential pardon can offer relief from specific convictions, it does not provide blanket immunity from all legal accountability.