FBI arrests suspect in investigation of pipe bombs placed in DC before Jan. 6 riot, according to AP source

WASHINGTON The FBI has made an arrest in its nearly five-year-long investigation into the placement of pipe bombs in Washington, D.C. on the eve of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, an official confirmed to the Associated Press on Thursday. This marks the first significant development in a case that has perplexed law enforcement for years, sparking numerous conspiracy theories and remaining an unresolved mystery in the aftermath of the violent Capitol siege.

The arrest occurred on Thursday morning and involved a male suspect, although the official did not provide further details, including the charges the individual may face. This development is the first concrete lead in a case that has long eluded investigators.

The pipe bombs were discovered on the night of January 5, 2021, placed near the offices of the Democratic and Republican National Committees in Washington, D.C. While the devices were safely detonated without causing harm, the FBI has previously stated that both bombs were potentially lethal.

In the years following the incident, authorities have appealed to the public for assistance in identifying a shadowy figure captured on surveillance footage. However, investigators have struggled to answer basic questions, including the individuals gender, motives, and whether the act was connected to the Capitol riot that took place the following day, when supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the building in an attempt to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election.

Last January, in an effort to make progress in the investigation, the FBI released additional details, including an estimate that the suspect was approximately 5-foot-7, and published previously unseen footage of the individual placing one of the bombs. Despite receiving hundreds of tips, reviewing tens of thousands of video files, and conducting numerous interviews, authorities had been unable to pinpoint a suspect.

In the absence of solid leads, some Republican lawmakers and right-wing media outlets propagated conspiracy theories regarding the pipe bombs. Critics also questioned why it took law enforcement 17 hours to detect the devices. Dan Bongino, now the FBIs deputy director, suggested last year that the incident could have been an inside job, and speculated about a potential cover-up. Since assuming his role in March, Bongino has emphasized that the investigation into the pipe bombs would be a top priority, defending the FBIs efforts and promising to hold accountable those responsible for the incident.

"Weve brought in new personnel, reviewed internal procedures, and significantly increased resources for the investigation. Additionally, we've raised the reward for information, utilizing crowd-sourcing to gather more leads," Bongino stated in a post on social media last month.

Author: Logan Reeves