The FBI has unveiled new video footage of a suspect planting pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican National Committee offices on the eve of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, as the bureau intensifies efforts to identify the individual behind the act.
The suspect, described as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, remains unidentified nearly four years after the incident. Investigators have yet to determine the suspect’s gender or establish a direct connection between the pipe bombs and the Capitol attack.
“The FBI cannot work on assumptions,” said David Sundberg, Assistant Director of the bureau's Washington field office, in an interview with the Associated Press. “Without confirming the suspect’s identity, it’s challenging to establish a motive or connection to other events.”
The newly released minute-long surveillance video shows the suspect placing one of the bombs near the Democratic National Committee (DNC) offices around 7:54 p.m. on January 5, 2021. A second bomb was placed at about 8:16 p.m. in an alley behind the Republican National Committee (RNC) offices. Both devices were rendered safe before causing harm, but authorities confirmed they could have been lethal.
Details of the Investigation
The FBI has reviewed over 39,000 video files, conducted more than 1,000 interviews, and analyzed over 600 tips since the investigation began. Surveillance footage reveals the suspect wearing a gray hoodie, black gloves, a face mask, and Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes with a yellow logo—a rare design with fewer than 25,000 pairs sold between 2018 and 2021.
“The distinctive shoes are a notable feature that we hope might jog someone’s memory,” Sundberg added.
The suspect’s movements were tracked between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Capitol Hill, beginning near First Street and North Carolina Avenue and ending at Rumsey Court. However, the suspect’s ability to blend into the environment, combined with COVID-19 masking norms, posed significant challenges for identification.
Conspiracy Theories and Criticism
The investigation has drawn scrutiny from Republican lawmakers and right-wing media, with conspiracy theories proliferating about the events. Questions have also been raised about security lapses that delayed the discovery of the bombs for 17 hours.
Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was reportedly inside the DNC building when the bomb was discovered on January 6, hours before the Capitol attack began. Then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s motorcade also passed the DNC site during the evacuation from the Capitol.
The FBI has maintained a reward of up to $500,000 for information leading to the suspect’s arrest and conviction. Sundberg emphasized the bureau’s commitment to pursuing the case until its conclusion.
“This case remains a top priority,” he stated. “We’ll continue to work until we identify a suspect.”
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