The FBI has apprehended a suspect believed to be responsible for the placement of pipe bombs near the U.S. Capitol complex nearly five years ago. This significant development was confirmed by three sources familiar with the situation in an exclusive report by NPR. These sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly before an anticipated press conference later today, provided critical insights into the arrest.
The suspect was taken into custody in the Woodbridge, Virginia area, approximately 35 miles from Washington, D.C. This arrest is a culmination of years of investigative work by the FBI, which has been tirelessly searching for the individual responsible for placing the explosives near the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican committees. These bombs were found just hours before the January 6, 2021 Capitol assault, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
Over the years, the FBI has conducted an extensive investigation, performing more than 1,000 interviews and reviewing nearly 40,000 video files in their quest to identify the alleged bomber. Despite these exhaustive efforts and a reward of $500,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest, the case remained unsolved for an extended period. However, new leadership within the FBI and the Justice Department has renewed focus on this critical case in 2023.
The discovery of the pipe bombs occurred at a crucial time during the January 6 events. The first bomb was located just before rioters breached the Capitol at the Peace Circle, while the second bomb was found as members of the Proud Boys group surged towards the Capitol's west front, escalating the violence. Capitol Police Inspector General Michael Bolton noted in a 2021 Congressional hearing that if the bombings were intended as a diversion, they were effective in achieving that goal.
In his book, former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund articulated that the discovery of the bombs diverted attention and resources during critical moments of the Capitol riot. He stated, “I believe the timing and placement of these devices were deliberate diversionary tactics, intended to divert significant resources away from securing the Capitol, which they succeeded in doing.” This assertion highlights the strategic implications of the bomb placements amidst the chaos of that day.
Before taking on his role as deputy director at the FBI, Dan Bongino was known for promoting conspiracies regarding the bomber. He suggested that the incident might have been an inside job orchestrated by the government, a claim that has since been met with skepticism and concern regarding its impact on public perception and trust in law enforcement.
The recent arrest signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation into the events of January 6 and the broader implications for national security and law enforcement in the United States. As more details emerge, the public eagerly awaits further updates from the FBI and related authorities.