The FBI has announced a significant reward for information that could lead to the capture of the individual responsible for placing pipe bombs outside the headquarters of both the Democratic and Republican National Committees. This incident occurred on the eve of the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021.
The federal agency, alongside its partners, is intensifying its call for public assistance by offering up to $500,000 for tips that might help identify the suspect. The renewed appeal is part of a broader effort to resolve this high-profile case.
In a move to aid the investigation, the FBI has released new surveillance footage capturing the suspect’s movements in Washington, D.C., on the day in question. The clips detail the suspect’s path, including a walk towards the DNC headquarters, where a bomb was placed at approximately 7:54 p.m., followed by footage of the suspect nearing the RNC, where another device was left around 8:16 p.m.
Previously, authorities shared video evidence showing the suspect wandering through the Capitol Hill area and sitting on a bench near the DNC building.
Investigators have estimated the suspect’s height to be around 5 feet 7 inches. During the time of the incident, the suspect was clad in a grey hoodie, Nike sneakers, a mask, gloves, and glasses, and was carrying a backpack.
Although the bombs did not explode, the FBI has emphasized that they were “viable” and posed a serious threat, capable of causing significant harm or even fatalities among bystanders. The explosive devices were discovered on January 6th, shortly after pro-Trump demonstrators stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the certification of President Joe Biden’s election victory.
According to the FBI, the explosives were made out of 1×8-inch pipes, kitchen timers and homemade black powder.
