The FBI has released new footage and details in its ongoing investigation into the suspect responsible for placing pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican national headquarters on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Despite significant rewards and fresh angles provided by surveillance video, the suspect remains unidentified.
Just The News reported that the newly released footage comes as law enforcement faces criticism over its response to the security failure that allowed this incident to take place.
On Thursday, federal authorities unveiled additional footage showing a suspect planting a bomb near a bench outside the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
This new video angle comes nearly four years after the initial surveillance clips were publicized, yet it has proven difficult to identify the individual involved.
The suspect, clad in a grey hoodie, Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers, a mask, and gloves, still eludes capture. Attempts to identify this person have been complicated by their disguise, which covers almost their entire body, according to FBI officials.
David Sundberg, an assistant director in charge at the FBI's Washington field office, expressed the agency’s determination, saying, “We have never stopped working” on this case. The efforts continue as part of a broader investigation into the events surrounding the Jan. 6 unrest.
This recent release of information is linked with an incentive: a $500,000 reward has been offered for leads resulting in the arrest of the suspect. Moreover, speculation around the individual suggests the suspect might be approximately five-foot-seven, but their gender remains unclear.
In these new videos, viewers see the suspect’s activity from angles not available before, possibly helping to spur fresh insights and public tips. Sundberg conveyed hope that "the new information and footage will prompt people to look at the case in a new light."
Despite various leads, identifying the individual has been fraught with difficulty. “Tips from the public really have been very helpful but … we’re still trying to identify the suspect," Sundberg told CNN.
Acknowledging the challenges, he added, "So we’re trying to release a little more information such that maybe it will jog somebody’s memory.”
The Jan. 6 incidents have been documented extensively, but Sundberg noted the quality of existing footage as “a bit sporadic,” complicating matters further. According to him, the suspect's attire made the task of identification even harder, covering nearly all distinguishing features.
A report by House committees recently criticized the delayed discovery of the pipe bombs, marking it as a substantial security oversight. As mentioned, this delay was coupled with a "chaotic response" from law enforcement, detracting from the efforts to maintain order during the Capitol Hill situations.
“The bureau has both a long memory and a long reach,” Sundberg emphasized. He assured the public of the FBI's ongoing mission to bring this case to its resolution. The complex investigation process has persisted in aligning energy and resources towards identifying the elusive suspect.
The recent House report underscored how this unsolved case remains among the "unanswered questions" from that day. Investigators are now renewing appeals for public cooperation in uncovering the identity of the person responsible for planting the devices.
Even nearly four years later, Sundberg maintains an optimistic view that the FBI's comprehensive approach will lead to a breakthrough. The agency is hopeful that contributions from the community will significantly aid in spotlighting new evidence.
Public assistance is essential, and Sundberg highlighted, “The case has been hampered by the difficulty in identifying the suspect." He noted all efforts are directed towards engaging the public and addressing any potential lapses in the initial stages of the investigation.
