In a significant development, a suspect has been arrested following a lengthy manhunt related to the planting of two pipe bombs in Washington, DC, on the eve of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. Sources have confirmed to the BBC's US partner, CBS, that the suspect will face charges today in a federal court in the US capital. This arrest concludes nearly five years of investigation into the alarming incident that could have resulted in catastrophic consequences.
The two explosive devices were discovered outside the headquarters of the Republican National Committee and the Democratic National Committee the day after they were planted. Fortunately, the devices were safely deactivated and did not detonate. According to an FBI source, the authorities have yet to reveal the suspect's identity or the details leading to their arrest. More information is expected to be released by officials in the coming hours.
The investigation into the 2021 pipe bomb incident has sparked various theories and speculation among observers, particularly within certain political circles. Some individuals in Donald Trump’s MAGA camp have suggested that the bombs may have been planted by law enforcement or government officials. This theory gained traction after a conservative media outlet, The Blaze, published an article last month analyzing surveillance footage released by the FBI. They claimed that the suspect's gait resembled that of a law enforcement officer, a conclusion that has been strongly disputed by FBI officials.
Deputy Director Dan Bongino has labeled the media reporting on the suspect as "grossly inaccurate," yet some individuals, including Republican Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky, have echoed these theories on social media platforms, implicating various government agencies.
On January 5, 2021, between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM local time, a person was captured on surveillance footage placing the explosive devices in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The suspect was described as wearing a grey hoodie, a face mask, gloves, and Nike sneakers while carrying a backpack. The items left in the vicinity included pipes, wires, kitchen timers, and homemade black powder. Although the bombs did not detonate, the presence of viable explosive devices in such a populated area posed a significant risk to public safety.
Earlier this year, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino announced that the bureau was renewing its focus on high-profile cases, including the investigation into the DC pipe bombs. He urged the public to provide any tips that could assist in the investigation. Bongino mentioned ongoing inquiries into other significant incidents, such as the discovery of cocaine at the previous administration’s White House and the leak of the Supreme Court's Dobbs case.
On January 6, as rioters began to storm the US Capitol, a passerby discovered the two pipe bombs just blocks away from the scene. Authorities later confirmed that these devices had been strategically placed outside the headquarters of both political parties the night before. The bombs featured a single method of detonation using a 60-minute kitchen timer but failed to detonate for reasons that remain unclear. Following their discovery, a large-scale investigation was launched, offering a reward of $500,000 (£402,000) for information leading to the suspect's capture.
In the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot, former President Donald Trump issued pardons or commutations for over 1,500 individuals charged or convicted in connection with the events of that day. He described those accused and convicted as "hostages," claiming their lives had been devastated. Trump's comments highlighted the controversy surrounding the riot and its repercussions on those involved.
The recent arrest marks a critical milestone in the ongoing investigation into the pipe bombs planted in Washington, DC. As authorities continue to uncover details surrounding this case, the implications of this incident remain significant, not only for national security but also for the political climate in the country. Further updates are anticipated as information is released by law enforcement officials.