A suspect has been arrested in connection with two pipe bombs discovered in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021, concluding a multi-year investigation. The devices were found outside the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican National Committees, hours before events unfolded at the U.S. Capitol. Law enforcement successfully deactivated both devices.
Arrest Details
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed an arrest in the pipe bomb case, with details corroborated by sources familiar with the investigation. The suspect, identified as a male, was apprehended in the Woodbridge, Virginia, area, approximately 35 miles from Washington D.C. Official statements regarding the suspect's identity have not yet been released, but the individual is expected to face charges in a Washington D.C. federal court. Information concerning the arrest is anticipated to be released in a press conference.
The Incident
The pipe bombs were placed on the night of January 5, 2021, outside the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Democratic National Committee (DNC) buildings. They were discovered on January 6 as individuals began to gather near the U.S. Capitol. Both devices were successfully deactivated by law enforcement, preventing any explosions.
FBI previously released CCTV footage showing an individual with a backpack and a light grey hooded sweater placing a device near a bench outside the Democratic National Committee building, then proceeding to place a second device. The FBI reported that the devices contained pipes, wires, kitchen timers, and homemade black powder. Reports indicated the bombs utilized a 60-minute kitchen timer for detonation but did not explode for reasons that remain unknown.
The Investigation
The arrest marks the culmination of a multi-year investigation. The FBI's efforts included approximately 1,000 interviews and the review of nearly 40,000 video files. A $500,000 reward had been offered for information leading to an arrest. Recent reports indicated an intensified focus on the investigation by new leadership within the FBI and the Department of Justice during the current year.
Context of January 6, 2021
The discovery of the pipe bombs coincided with events surrounding the certification of the 2020 presidential election results in the U.S. Capitol, where Joe Biden's victory over Donald Trump was to be affirmed. Prior to the Capitol breach, then-President Trump addressed a gathering near the White House, encouraging supporters to march to the Capitol while reiterating claims of voter fraud.
The crowd, estimated between 2,000 and 2,500 people, included members of groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers; some individuals were observed carrying weapons. Hundreds subsequently entered the Capitol building, and law enforcement required approximately four hours to restore order.