FBI Unveils New Evidence in Unsolved January 5 D.C. Pipe Bomb Case
Four years later, authorities release new footage and renew public appeal for information. $500,000 Reward offered.
The FBI has released new surveillance footage in its investigation into two pipe bombs placed in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021, a day before the Capitol insurrection. Despite an exhaustive investigation spanning four years, the individual responsible remains unidentified. Authorities are renewing their appeal for public assistance, emphasizing the critical role of public cooperation in resolving this case.
On January 5, 2021, between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. EST, an unidentified suspect planted two pipe bombs in Washington’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. One device was placed behind the Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters at 310 First Street Southeast, while the second was positioned near a park bench outside the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters at 430 South Capitol Street Southeast #3. Law enforcement safely detonated both devices, and no injuries were reported.
The bombs were discovered during the chaotic hours leading up to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, prompting heightened security and an urgent law enforcement response. The devices, though they did not detonate independently, were constructed to be fully functional and posed a significant threat.=
The newly released footage provides additional angles and moments captured during the suspect’s movements on the evening of January 5. The video highlights the individual walking through residential streets, appearing to methodically select the locations for placing the devices. This release follows previous footage showing the suspect near the DNC headquarters. By sharing the video, investigators hope the public may recognize the suspect's gait, clothing, or behavior.
The suspect is described as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, dressed in a gray hooded sweatshirt, gloves, and a face mask. They wore black and light gray Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes with a distinctive yellow logo and carried a backpack, believed to have contained the pipe bombs. Despite these clear physical details, the suspect’s identity has remained elusive. The FBI indicates that fewer than 25,000 pairs of this specific Nike shoe model have been sold.
The investigation has been extensive, with the FBI reviewing approximately 39,000 video files, conducting over 1,000 interviews, and assessing more than 600 tips. Despite this, the case remains unsolved. Investigators believe the suspect may have local knowledge of the area, given their ability to navigate Capitol Hill and select discreet locations for the devices.
The FBI continues to stress the importance of public assistance. They are offering a reward of up to $500,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual responsible. Investigators encourage anyone with details, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to come forward. The agency highlights that even minor observations could provide a critical breakthrough in the case.
Individuals with information can contact the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov. Submissions can remain anonymous, and the FBI assures the public that all leads will be carefully investigated.
As the four-year mark of the incident approaches, the FBI reports that their determination to identify and apprehend the pipe bomb suspect remains steadfast.
