FBI Seeks Public Help in Identifying Pipe Bomb Suspect Near DNC and RNC with $500,000 Reward

The FBI intensifies its search for a suspect who placed pipe bombs near the DNC and RNC, offering a substantial $500,000 reward for the public’s help.

FBI Releases New Video

To reinvigorate investigations, the FBI has released a new video showing a suspect placing pipe bombs outside the DNC and RNC in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021. The suspect’s identity remains unknown despite interviewing 1,200 individuals and reviewing 39,000 video clips. The suspect, who could be approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, was seen wearing a grey hoodie, mask, and gloves.

The FBI has stressed the importance of public cooperation, offering a $500,000 reward for any information leading to the suspect’s identification and successful prosecution. “We recognize that it’s been nearly four years since we started investigating this case,” said David Sundberg. “Those tips have helped us further the investigation, but they have not yet allowed us to identify the suspect.”

NEW: The FBI shares a previously unreleased video of the person suspected of placing pipe bombs near the DNC and RNC headquarters the night before January 6, 2021. The FBI says the suspect is around 5’7” tall. The new video is near the DNC HQ ~ 3 blocks south of the US Capitol pic.twitter.com/TCCTZ980Kp

— Ben Dennis Reports (@broadcastben_) January 3, 2025

Details of the Incident

The lone suspect is seen carrying a backpack, believed to contain the explosive devices. The first bomb was discreetly placed near a bench outside the DNC building just before 8 p.m.. At the same time, the second was found in an alley behind the RNC building around 8:16 p.m. Fortunately, no injuries occurred as both devices were safely deactivated.

Authorities have not established a direct connection between this incident and the Capitol riot on January 6. This ongoing investigation highlights the need for further efforts to retrieve more information to establish a motive and, potentially, any affiliations to other events.

Call for Public Assistance

With the case still open, the FBI remains hopeful about identifying the suspect. “We are convinced there are people that still know something,” Sunberg remarked. “I think we will find this person. I have hope of that.” The FBI shared its persistence and reach, emphasizing its commitment to resolution through meticulous interviews and evidence assessment.

The Bureau encourages citizens to report any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem. As Sundberg noted, “Over the past four years, allegiances might change. Relationships might change.” The new video was released concurrently with a House report criticizing the FBI’s progress in the investigation.