This week, the FBI arrested a Virginia man suspected of planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., the night before the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol. The suspect was detained in Virginia after investigators traced key evidence back to him.
Surveillance footage from early January 2021 shows the individual placing explosive devices outside headquarters of both the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee. These locations sit just blocks from the Capitol complex.
The investigation into the pipe bomb plot has spanned nearly five years, as federal agents pieced together surveillance data, forensic evidence and witness accounts. Authorities say the long-running probe reflects the complexity of tracking domestic threats.
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed on Thursday that the arrest marks a significant milestone in the original Capitol riot investigation. She noted that the devices were safely defused in 2021, preventing further violence.
Security experts highlight that this case underscores ongoing challenges in preventing politically motivated attacks and the importance of sustained intelligence efforts. As the nation reflects on the events that shook Washington, this arrest offers a measure of accountability for actions that nearly reignited chaos on January 6, 2021.
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Suspect arrested for planting pipe bombs on eve of 2021 Capitol riot
cgtn.com
