The FBI has released new surveillance footage showing a suspect allegedly planting pipe bombs near the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) offices in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021, FOX News reports.
The incident occurred on the eve of the January 6 attack on the US Capitol, though no definitive link between the two events has been established.
The bombs were placed in two locations:
- DNC Office: The first device was planted near a bench outside the DNC building shortly before 8 p.m.
- RNC Office: The second bomb was placed in an alley behind the RNC building at approximately 8:16 p.m.
The suspect was last seen leaving the area two minutes later, walking past a row of houses. Both devices were rendered safe, preventing potential harm.
The suspect, whose identity remains unknown, is described as:
- Height: Approximately 5 feet, 7 inches tall
- Clothing: Gray hoodie, face mask, black gloves
- Footwear: Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes, a distinctive model with fewer than 25,000 pairs sold between August 2018 and January 2021
The suspect carried a backpack believed to have been used to transport the bombs.
The FBI has conducted an extensive investigation over the past four years:
- Assessed over 600 tips
- Reviewed approximately 39,000 video files
- Conducted more than 1,000 interviews
Despite these efforts, the suspect’s identity and motive remain unclear.
David Sundberg, assistant director of the FBI’s Washington field office, stated:
“Without being able to confirm the suspect’s identity, it is very hard to definitively establish motive. Therefore, it would be difficult for us to state that there is a link, although we can’t state there is not one.”
The FBI continues to offer a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. They are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward, noting that details once thought insignificant may now prove critical.
“No one was hurt in the attempted attack, but the bombs could have been deadly,” an FBI spokesperson emphasized.
Vice President Kamala Harris and then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi were reportedly near the DNC office before the first bomb was discovered and deactivated on the afternoon of January 6, 2021.
For additional information or to submit tips, visit the FBI’s website.
