WASHINGTON — A dark and enigmatic episode in American history continues to linger without resolution: the identity of the individual who placed pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican national committee offices in Washington just prior to the Capitol attack.
In a bid to uncover new leads from the public, the FBI is disclosing additional details regarding its investigation into the pipe bombs, revealing that the suspect is estimated to be approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall. The agency is also releasing previously withheld video footage of the suspect while they were seen setting one of the bombs.
Even after four years have passed, several fundamental questions remain unresolved. Notably, investigators have yet to confirm if the suspect is male or female, nor have they established a direct link between the pipe bombs and the insurrection that took place on January 6, 2021, when a group of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol.
David Sundberg, the assistant director overseeing the Washington field office of the FBI, emphasized that the bureau is unable to make assumptions. He 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.”
In light of the lack of concrete evidence, some Republican lawmakers and right-leaning media have circulated conspiracy theories surrounding the pipe bombs. They have also raised concerns regarding security failures, questioning how authorities managed to overlook the bombs for a staggering 17 hours.
Sundberg reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment, saying, “We remain focused on conducting an investigation using all of the tools we have at our disposal. But it is incumbent upon us to follow facts and evidence.”
Throughout the past four years, the FBI has processed over 600 tips, examined approximately 39,000 video files, and conducted more than 1,000 interviews. The suspect has been observed wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, a face mask, black gloves, and a pair of black and grey Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes featuring a yellow logo. Additionally, the individual was seen carrying a backpack that contained the bombs.
Surveillance footage shows the individual placing the pipe bombs near the committee offices between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on January 5, 2021. No injuries occurred before the devices were neutralized, but the FBI maintains that both contained the potential to be deadly.
On January 6, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was inside the DNC offices when one of the bombs was discovered outside around 1:05 p.m. Furthermore, just prior to the bomb being dismantled, the motorcade carrying then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi passed the DNC building as she was being evacuated from the Capitol.
This week, the FBI plans to release a video that lasts one minute, showing the suspect sitting on a park bench outside the DNC prior to placing the first bomb around 7:54 p.m. Shortly after, at approximately 8:16 p.m., the second bomb was positioned in an alley behind the RNC.
Detailed images of the Nike shoes worn by the suspect are also being shared, as fewer than 25,000 pairs were sold between August 2018 and January 2021, according to the FBI.
Sundberg remarked, “Based on attire, those are probably the most remarkable or distinctive feature when it comes to clothing the suspect wore. We’re hoping that somebody might recognize that.”
Surveillance footage allowed the FBI to trace the movements of the suspect through Capitol Hill on the evening of January 5. They first appeared on video around 7:34 p.m. at the intersection of First Street and North Carolina Avenue, and the last sighting was at 8:18 p.m., moving east on Rumsey Court.
Sundberg noted, “The suspect in this case did a very good job covering themselves up at a time that this would not be abnormal, so it didn’t raise any attention,” referring to the face masks worn during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately, the quality of available video has varied greatly and, at times, has been subpar, making recognition challenging. The significant 17-hour delay between the bombs being planted and their eventual discovery has further complicated efforts to identify any potential witnesses, Sundberg explained.
To encourage information leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest, authorities previously announced a reward of up to $500,000.
As President-elect Trump prepares to return to the White House on January 20, he has reiterated his intention to pardon many of those involved in the Capitol riot. Over 1,500 individuals have faced charges related to the January 6 incident, with around 1,100 already convicted. More than 700 defendants have received sentences, ranging from just a few days to up to 22 years.
Sundberg stated he does not believe the upcoming administration change will impact the ongoing investigation into the pipe bombs. “We don’t know who the suspect is,” he remarked. “And I expect that we will continue to work this case until its logical conclusion and we identify a suspect.”
