Reported Arrest in Attempted Pipe Bomb Attack Before January 6 US Capitol Riot

US law enforcement officials have reportedly apprehended a suspect linked to pipe bombs found outside the headquarters of both major political parties in Washington, D.C., on the night before January 6, 2021. The devices were discovered just hours before the violent attack on the US Capitol, when supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed Congress in an attempt to block the certification of Joe Bidens 2020 election victory.

For years, authorities had been unable to identify anyone responsible. One pipe bomb had been left in an alley near the Republican National Committee headquarters, and another was placed on a park bench close to the Democratic National Committee headquarters, according to the FBI. In 2023, the reward for information leading to an arrest was raised to $500,000.

On Thursday morning, major news agencies, including Reuters, the Associated Press, and CNN, reported, citing unnamed sources, that a suspect is now in custody. This represents the first breakthrough in a case that had long puzzled investigators, fueled numerous conspiracy theories, and remained an unsolved aspect of the January 6 events.

The pipe bombs were safely disarmed, and no injuries occurred, though the FBI has emphasized that the devices had the potential to cause serious harm.

Author: Olivia Parker