FBI releases new video footage of unidentified suspect who planted pipe bombs near DNC and RNC offices in Washington, D.C. on January 5, 2021, seeking public assistance to solve the case.
At a Glance
- FBI unveils new video of suspect planting pipe bombs outside DNC and RNC offices
- Suspect remains unidentified after four years, despite extensive investigation
- $500,000 reward offered for information leading to arrest and conviction
- FBI urges public to review footage and provide any relevant information
FBI Releases New Footage in Ongoing Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has released new video footage in hopes of identifying the individual responsible for planting pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee offices in Washington, D.C. on January 5, 2021. The suspect, whose gender remains unknown, was captured on surveillance cameras wearing a grey hoodie, face mask, black gloves, and distinctive Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes.
Despite an extensive investigation spanning four years, the FBI has yet to identify the suspect. The bureau has reviewed over 600 tips, analyzed 39,000 video files, and conducted more than 1,000 interviews. The incident, which occurred on the eve of the January 6 Capitol attack, has raised concerns about potential connections between the two events, although no clear link has been established.
“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.
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
Public Assistance Sought in Identifying Suspect
The FBI is now turning to the public for help in identifying the suspect. Sundberg emphasized the importance of public assistance in solving this case. A substantial reward of $500,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
“Without being able to confirm the suspect’s identity, it is very hard to definitively establish motive,” Sundberg told The Associated Press.
The suspect is believed to be approximately 5-foot, 7-inches tall. Authorities are particularly interested in the distinctive Nike shoes worn by the suspect, as fewer than 25,000 pairs of these shoes were sold between August 2018 and the time of the attack.
Congressional Criticism and Security Concerns
The prolonged investigation has drawn criticism from Congressional Republicans. A report released by the House Administration and Judiciary committees highlights “little meaningful progress” in the investigation and expresses concern over the lack of updates from federal law enforcement to Congress.
The report also raises concerns about the potential catastrophic impact of the bombs, which could have caused serious injury or death. It’s worth noting that Vice President Kamala Harris and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi were near the DNC office before the first bomb was found and deactivated on January 6.
As the investigation continues, the FBI urges anyone with information to come forward. The public is encouraged to review the Seeking Information webpage and contact the FBI if they recognize or have any information about the suspect.
