The FBI has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the pipe bombs that were planted near the Republican and Democratic national party headquarters in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021. According to a federal law enforcement official familiar with the investigation, a suspect was arrested on Thursday morning, marking a pivotal moment in a case that has perplexed investigators for nearly five years.
This arrest will be formally announced in a news conference scheduled for Thursday at the Justice Department. The federal investigation has determined that an individual placed one pipe bomb near the Democratic National Committee headquarters and another near the Republican National Committee headquarters just hours before the January 6 siege on the Capitol.
The FBI has actively sought public assistance in this case, urging anyone with information to come forward. In January, the bureau released additional surveillance footage showing the suspect in the act of planting one of the bombs. The suspect is described as being approximately 5 feet, 7 inches tall and was seen wearing Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes adorned with a gold logo.
In a bid to encourage tips that could lead to an arrest, the FBI increased the reward for information from $100,000 to an impressive $500,000 in 2023. Lawmakers have expressed their frustration over the prolonged lack of arrests in this high-profile case, which remains a source of national concern.
The two pipe bombs, discovered on January 6—approximately 15 hours after their placement—were deemed viable devices capable of inflicting serious harm or even fatalities among bystanders. The FBI has conducted over 1,000 interviews and meticulously reviewed tens of thousands of video files in their efforts to identify the perpetrator.
The mystery surrounding the identity of the pipe bomber has fueled various conspiracy theories, including claims that the government orchestrated the planting of the bombs to set up supporters of then-President Donald Trump who stormed the Capitol. Last month, the FBI debunked another theory alleging that the bombs were planted by a former Capitol Police officer.
While Trump issued pardons to some individuals involved in the January 6 events, including those who assaulted law enforcement officers, his pardons did not extend to the person responsible for planting the pipe bombs near the RNC and DNC. This detail highlights the ongoing complexities and controversies related to the aftermath of the Capitol siege.
As the investigation continues, the FBI remains committed to bringing the individual responsible for these dangerous acts to justice, ensuring accountability for actions that threatened public safety and national security.