The FBI has arrested a Virginia man in connection with pipe bombs planted outside Republican and Democratic party headquarters in Washington D.C. on the eve of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots. The arrest Thursday morning ends an almost five-year investigation into an incident that long vexed law enforcement and spawned multiple conspiracy theories.
Reuters, the Associated Press, and CNN reported the arrest, citing unnamed US officials. No details about potential charges were immediately available.
The suspect allegedly placed two pipe bombs on the evening of January 5, 2021. One device was left in an alley outside the Republican National Committee headquarters, the other on a park bench near the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
Investigation and Devices
Both bombs were discovered and rendered safe before anyone was hurt. However, the FBI stated the explosive devices could have been lethal. Each bomb contained a 60-minute kitchen timer, according to CBS.
The FBI had offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. The agency released footage earlier showing a suspect placing the bombs, but the individual's identity remained a mystery until now.
January 6 Context
The pipe bombs were planted hours before a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. The rioters sought to prevent certification of Joe Biden's 2020 presidential election victory.
Up to 2,500 people overwhelmed police and forced entry into the Capitol Building. Then Vice President Mike Pence had to be rushed away during the attack. It took around four hours to restore order.
Five people died in connection with the riots within two days. One was shot by police, three died of natural causes, and one through drug overdose. Four officers who responded later died by suicide within seven months of the attack.
After taking office in January this year, President Trump issued pardons to more than 1,500 people convicted or charged in relation to the riot. He ordered the Department of Justice to drop all pending cases against other suspects, saying: «What they've done to these people is outrageous. There's rarely been anything like it in the history of our country.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
