In the aftermath of the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, federal investigators have arrested more than 1,500 defendants, but the person who planted two pipe bombs on Capitol Hill the night before the riot remains unidentified. The FBI has released new video footage and information in an effort to generate new leads and is offering a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The security camera video shows the suspect planting a pipe bomb outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters on Jan. 5, 2021. Another bomb was placed near the Republican National Committee headquarters. The devices were left between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
The suspect, who was caught on video wearing a facemask and hooded sweatshirt, is estimated to be 5 feet, 7 inches tall. The bombs contained a 60-minute kitchen timer as the only method of detonation, but they did not go off, and it is unclear when they were intended to explode. The FBI concluded that the pipe bombs were viable and posed a danger to the public. The devices were discovered outside the buildings around 1 p.m. on Jan. 6, diverting resources from the response to the crisis unfolding at the Capitol as rioters breached the grounds.
David Sunberg, head of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, emphasized the importance of the investigation, stating that the devices “could have killed somebody” and were left in a residential neighborhood. The FBI is urging the public to review the new information released, which includes an animated rendering of the Nike shoes the suspect wore that day. Despite thousands of investigative hours, interviews, and tips from the public, the FBI has yet to identify the person responsible for planting the pipe bombs almost four years ago.
A report released by Republican staffers on House subcommittees criticized law enforcement’s response to the bombs and the FBI’s investigation, noting that multiple persons of interest were identified in the initial stages but did not lead to the identification of a suspect. The lack of progress in the case has drawn criticism from lawmakers, with concerns raised about the impact on security measures at the Capitol Complex and the operations of federal law enforcement. The failure to identify, apprehend, and prosecute the bomber is seen as a threat to national security and the safety of all Americans.
Despite efforts to follow up on leads and gather evidence, the FBI has yet to make a breakthrough in identifying the suspect who planted the pipe bombs on Capitol Hill. The case remains a high priority for the bureau, with ongoing efforts to solicit information from the public and review potential leads. The lack of closure in this high-profile case continues to raise questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in preventing and solving acts of domestic terrorism.
