The FBI has released new video footage of a suspect who planted pipe bombs outside the DNC and RNC offices on January 5, 2021, as the investigation enters its fourth year without an arrest.
At a Glance
- FBI releases new video of suspect planting pipe bombs at DNC and RNC offices
- Suspect’s identity remains unknown despite extensive investigation
- $500,000 reward offered for information leading to arrest and conviction
- Incident occurred on eve of January 6 Capitol riot
- FBI urges public assistance to identify the suspect
FBI Releases New Video in Ongoing Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has released new video footage of a suspect who planted pipe bombs outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) offices in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021. The release comes as part of a renewed effort to identify the individual responsible for this potentially deadly act, which occurred on the eve of the January 6 Capitol riot.
The suspect, whose gender remains undetermined, is believed to be approximately 5-foot, 7-inches tall. At the time of the incident, the individual wore a grey hoodie, face mask, black gloves, and Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes. The FBI has noted that fewer than 25,000 pairs of these specific shoes were sold between August 2018 and the time of the attack, potentially narrowing the pool of suspects.
You can also help the #FBI identify the person who placed pipe bombs near the offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees on January 5, 2021. If you recognize the suspect, submit a tip at https://t.co/iL7sD5efWD. Tips can remain anonymous. @FBIWFO pic.twitter.com/QEpGYaLKFX
— FBI (@FBI) January 6, 2022
Extensive Investigation Yields No Arrests
Despite an exhaustive investigation spanning four years, the FBI has yet to identify or apprehend the suspect. The bureau has reviewed over 600 tips, analyzed 39,000 video files, and conducted more than 1,000 interviews. The investigation initially involved over 50 investigators and various support teams, collecting over 105 million data points by April 2021.
“Over the past four years, a dedicated team of FBI agents, analysts, data scientists, and law enforcement partners has visited more than 1,200 residences and businesses, conducted more than 1,000 interviews, reviewed approximately 39,000 video files, and assessed more than 600 tips about who may have placed pipe bombs on Capitol Hill in January 2021” David Sundberg, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington field office, stated.
The FBI’s inability to identify the suspect using cellular data was reportedly due to “corrupted” data from cellular companies, a claim disputed by major cell carriers. This setback has contributed to the lack of progress in the investigation, which appears to have gone cold by February 2021.
Congressional Criticism and Security Concerns
Congressional Republicans have released a report criticizing the FBI for its failure to identify a suspect after four years. The report, authored by Representatives Barry Loudermilk and Thomas Massie, highlights “little meaningful progress” in the investigation and a lack of updates from federal law enforcement to Congress.
The report also emphasizes the potential catastrophic impact of the bombs, which could have caused serious injury or death. It criticizes law enforcement for failing to secure the perimeter and highlights the lack of information as an ongoing security risk. The proximity of Vice President Kamala Harris and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to the DNC office before the first bomb was found and deactivated on January 6 further underscores the gravity of the situation.
Public Assistance Crucial
The FBI is now turning to the public for help, offering a substantial $500,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. David Sundberg urges citizens to “take a fresh look at the Seeking Information webpage and contact the FBI if they recognize or have information about the suspect.”
As the investigation continues, the FBI maintains that they are committed to identifying the individual responsible for this potentially deadly act. The public’s assistance could be crucial in bringing this case to a close and ensuring the safety of our nation’s capital.
