Daniel Ball, a 38-year-old resident of Homosassa, Florida, finds himself in legal trouble once again. Federal authorities rearrested Ball on gun charges after a search of his home in May 2023 revealed a .22 caliber rifle and ammunition. Previously, Ball received a pardon for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot. This arrest raises questions regarding his legal standing due to prior felony convictions, which legally prohibit him from possessing firearms.
Ball's initial pardon was overshadowed by the severity of his actions during the Capitol riot. He was accused of throwing an explosive device into the Lower West Terrace tunnel, an act that reportedly disoriented police officers and caused prolonged hearing loss for some. Charged with some of the most serious offenses stemming from the riot, Ball briefly entered the Capitol through the Senate Wing door at 3:29 pm on January 6, remaining inside for just two minutes before exiting.
Compounding his legal challenges, Ball's past includes accusations of domestic violence battery by strangulation and resisting law enforcement, both classified as felonies. Prosecutors assert that these previous convictions inherently disqualify him from gun ownership under federal law. In response to his latest arrest for illegal firearm possession, Ball remains detained while legal proceedings unfold.
Ball's attorney, Amy Collins, plans a robust defense against the gun charges. She contends that these charges are fundamentally tied to his previously pardoned actions related to January 6. Collins argues:
"Florida case should be dismissed with prejudice pursuant to President Trump’s January 20th proclamation as to January 6 defendants" – Amy Collins
While Collins aims to challenge the gun charges, prosecutors emphasize that this legal matter is distinct from the January 6 case. They maintain that Ball's possession of firearms is illegal due to his prior criminal record, irrespective of the presidential pardon concerning his actions during the Capitol riot.