FBI raises reward money for unsolved RNC, DNC pipe bomb attempt to $500K

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FBI releases new video of suspect in DC pipe bomb case

The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the identification of the suspect who they say placed pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters on Jan. 5.

The FBI raised the reward amount for information regarding the unresolved Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee pipe bomb attempt to $500,000 Wednesday. 

An unidentified suspect – seen on surveillance video in a mask and hooded sweatshirt -- is accused of placing pipe bombs in a Capitol Hill neighborhood near the Republican National Committee Headquarters, located at 310 First St. SE, and the Democratic National Committee Headquarters, located at 430 South Capitol St. SE, #3, on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, between approximately 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. — the night before the riots unfolded at the U.S. Capitol. 

Though the bombs did not detonate, the FBI noted that the suspect walked along residential and commercial areas in Capitol Hill just blocks from the U.S. Capitol with viable pipe bombs that could have seriously injured or killed innocent bystanders, posing a danger to the public or themselves. 

"Two years into the investigation, identifying the perpetrator of this attempted attack remains a priority" for the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the U.S. Capitol Police, according to a statement published Wednesday. 

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The FBI Washington Field Office, the ATF Washington Field Division and D.C. Metro police raised the reward for information leading to an arrest from $100,000 to as much as $500,000. 

The FBI is seeking information on an unidentified suspect accused of placing pipe bombs by the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters in January 2021. (FBI)

The bureau encouraged the American public to take a fresh look at the FBI’s seeking information website, which includes images and video of the suspect, the suspect’s backpack, the suspect’s shoes – black and gray Nike Airs with yellow details – the explosive devices, and a map of the route the suspect walked the night the pipe bombs were placed.

The FBI noted some components used to construct these devices include 1x8-inch threaded galvanized pipes, end caps, kitchen timers, wires, metal clips and homemade black powder. 

The FBI released a photo of one of the pipe bombs planted near Capitol Hill.  (FBI)

The announcement comes a day after Congress re-opened post midterms, effectively disbanding the Democratic-led House Jan. 6 investigative committee that recommended the Justice Department pursue criminal charges against former President Trump over the riot at the Capitol that unfolded while Congress was certifying then-President-elect Joe Biden's presidential victory. 

To date for the unresolved pipe bomb case, the FBI said the bureau and its partners have conducted approximately 1,000 interviews, visited more than 1,200 residences and businesses, collected more than 39,000 video files, and assessed nearly 500 tips. 

An FBI map shows the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters where pipe bombs were placed on Jan. 5, 2021.  (FBI)

"For two years, a dedicated team of FBI agents, analysts, and law enforcement partners have been tirelessly reviewing evidence and digital media related to this case," David Sundberg, assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, said in a statement. "We remain grateful to the American people, who have provided invaluable tips that have helped us advance the investigation." 

Surveillance video shows the suspect wanted in the Republican National Committee, Democratic National Committee pipe bomb attempts. (FBI)

"With the significantly increased reward, we urge those who may have previously hesitated to contact us—or who may not have realized they had important information—to review the information on our website and come forward with anything relevant," Sundberg added. "Despite the unprecedented volume of data review involved in this case, the FBI and our partners continue to work relentlessly to bring the perpetrator of these dangerous attempted attacks to justice."

An example of the DC pipe bomb suspect's shoes.  (FBI)

"We are proud to stand alongside our partners as we increase our reward contribution to help identify the person or persons responsible for placing these pipe bombs and threatening our community," ATF Washington Field Division acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon said. "The ATF’s determination and commitment to this investigation will not waver. Public safety is of the utmost priority in this ongoing investigation, and we remain dedicated to making sure those responsible are brought to justice."

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D.C. Police Chief Robert J. Contee III added, "MPD continues to work alongside our federal partners to locate the individual or individuals behind these heinous attempted acts. We know our most powerful tool is information from our community. With your help and our federal partnerships, the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department will remain focused on bringing this matter to closure—for the safety of our entire community."