Sources report FBI apprehends suspect in 2021 D.C. pipe bomb case

Federal authorities announced on Thursday that they have made their first arrest in the case involving the two pipe bombs found outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) offices on the night before the Capitol insurrection on January 6, 2021. Sources familiar with the investigation confirmed the arrest, which represents a significant breakthrough in a case that has challenged the FBI for almost five years.

According to investigators, the bombs were planted near the DNC and RNC buildings on the evening of January 5, 2021. The devices, which were constructed using 1x8-inch pipes, kitchen timers, and homemade black powder, fortunately did not detonate. However, the FBI has classified them as viable and warned they had the potential to cause fatalities or injuries.

The bombs were not discovered until the afternoon of January 6, when law enforcement in the area was already stretched thin due to the ongoing chaos at the Capitol. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, who was at the DNC headquarters at the time, was evacuated shortly after the discovery of the devices.

In the months and years following the Capitol riots, federal authorities have relentlessly pursued individuals involved in the events of that day, arresting over 1,500 people. Despite the widespread arrests, the pipe bomb case remained unsolved until this latest development. Prior to Thursday's breakthrough, the FBI had released several images of a potential suspect captured in grainy security footage, showing a shadowy figure dressed in a hoodie, and had offered a $500,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.

In May, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated on social media that the investigation into the pipe bombs was one of the cases receiving "increased resources and investigative focus," with weekly briefings provided on the progress of the investigation.

As the investigation continues, this case remains a focal point for federal law enforcement.

Author: Jackson Miller