The FBI has finally made an arrest in the long-running investigation into the DC pipe bomber, nearly five years after the devices were planted near the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021—the night before the Capitol riot.
CNN reports that agents took a suspect into custody on Thursday. Two law enforcement officials confirmed the arrest, though the individual’s name has not yet been released to the public. For years, the only clues were grainy surveillance clips showing a masked person in a hoodie and gloves calmly walking through DC’s streets.
A Case That Stalled for Years
The pipe bomber case has puzzled investigators and fueled public frustration. Officials repeatedly stated that the suspect stood around 5’7” and left the two devices outside the RNC and DNC offices the night before January 6. Despite intense interest and a massive reward, the investigation appeared to go nowhere.
That changed earlier this year, when the FBI—under pressure—released new surveillance footage. The release came after Rep. Barry Loudermilk published a report accusing the Bureau of halting its search in 2021 and concealing evidence from Congress.
New Leadership, New Transparency
FBI Director Chris Wray faced criticism for resisting congressional oversight. But according to investigators, new leadership inside the Bureau pledged to rebuild trust.
In March, officials handed over a large batch of previously unseen documents to House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, marking a significant turning point in the case.
Lab Reports Challenge the Original Timeline
By September, the FBI’s laboratory report on the devices became public. The analysis confirmed that both bombs were capable of causing serious damage, even though they never detonated.
One witness, who discovered the RNC device, told investigators the kitchen timer attached to it had only 20 minutes remaining. This detail disrupts the original timeline and suggests the bomb may have been planted far later than previously believed.
Both devices were fitted with simple 60-minute kitchen timers, raising new questions about when—and how—the bomber placed them.
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