FBI Arrests Suspect in Pipe Bomb Investigation Ahead of Capitol Riot

Sat Dec 20 2025 12:20:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

For the first time in nearly five years, the FBI has identified a suspect in the case of the pipe bombs placed in Washington, D.C. on January 5, 2021, the day before the Capitol riot.

In a significant breakthrough, the FBI announced the arrest of a man linked to the placement of pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican national committee offices in Washington, D.C. The bombs, which were placed days before the January 6 Capitol riot, posed a serious threat but were safely defused without harm. The arrest comes after extensive investigation efforts that included public outreach for information.

Washington, D.C. — In a pivotal moment in the long-running investigation into the placement of pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., the FBI has made an arrest. Officials disclosed that the suspect, identified as a male individual, was taken into custody on Thursday, marking the first official suspect in a case that has perplexed investigators for almost five years. The bombs were discovered on January 5, 2021, near the offices of the Democratic and Republican national committees, leading to a massive investigation that has drawn widespread public interest and numerous conspiracy theories. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as the devices were safely neutralized.

The FBI had struggled to locate the suspect, despite reviewing thousands of videos and receiving countless tips. This newfound progress follows the agency's earlier decision to release additional information regarding the case, including suspect profiles and unreleased surveillance footage. In a climate rife with speculation and alternative narratives regarding the security measures surrounding the Capitol riot, this arrest presents a crucial step towards accountability and resolution. The suspect's motives, relationship to the January 6 insurrection, and potential charges remain unclear as the investigation continues.