Four years after the Capitol riot, a key mystery surrounding the events remains unsolved: the identity of the person who planted pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., the night before the January 6, 2021, insurrection.
On Thursday, FBI officials disclosed new details about their ongoing investigation, including previously unseen surveillance footage and updated insights into the suspect’s physical characteristics. Authorities hope this fresh information will prompt public tips and help crack the case.
A Chilling Discovery
The unidentified suspect, dressed in a gray hoodie, dark pants, and Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers, was captured on surveillance video placing homemade bombs outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters on the evening of January 5, 2021. The devices, which did not detonate, were discovered the following morning, hours before a mob stormed the Capitol to disrupt Congress’s certification of President Joe Biden’s electoral victory.
The bombs added to the tension and chaos of the day, heightening fears as law enforcement scrambled to secure the area.
New Video Evidence
The newly released surveillance footage shows the suspect approaching a bench near the Democratic National Committee headquarters at night. The individual, carrying a backpack, sits down briefly, removes a device from the bag, places it on the ground, and walks away. The FBI had previously shared footage of the same sequence from a different camera angle.
Investigators have also provided a new estimate of the suspect’s height—approximately 5-foot-7—determined using photogrammetry. This method overlays surveillance footage with a livestream of the same scene and a height scale to assess proportions. Officials had withheld this detail in earlier reports to avoid discouraging potential witnesses who might misjudge height.
The Investigation’s Challenges
Despite a massive effort involving location data from cellphones, subpoenas to sneaker vendors, and analysis of bomb-making components, the case remains unsolved. Investigators have faced significant hurdles, including poor video quality, the suspect’s mask and hood, and a 15-hour delay between the bombs being planted and discovered.
“There have been difficulties in working this case,” said David Sundberg, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington field office. “It’s very hard to recognize someone from the video.”
In the months following the incident, agents pursued numerous leads, including individuals with ties to the area, suspicious internet search histories, and photos taken near the bomb sites. However, none of these avenues produced conclusive results.
Renewed Appeal for Public Help
As the investigation continues, officials remain hopeful that public cooperation could provide the breakthrough they need.
“I do believe it’s very likely that other people know about or have information on the suspect,” Sundberg said. “This new release may jog someone’s memory or prompt them to come forward.”
The FBI is offering a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting tips online at tips.fbi.gov.