FBI issues new appeal in Capitol pipe bomb investigation; A reward of up to $500,000

FBI issues new appeal in Capitol pipe bomb investigation; A reward of up to $500,000

The FBI issued a new appeal for public assistance on Wednesday to identify the suspect who planted pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters the night before the Capitol attack, raising the reward to $500,000.

Two years after the devices were discovered and dismantled amid a deadly riot, the search for the suspect remains the most enduring mystery regarding the siege.

"We remain grateful to the American people, who provided invaluable advice that helped us advance the investigation," said David Sundberg, chief of the FBI's Washington field office. "With the reward greatly increased, we urge those who previously hesitated to contact us - or who may not have realized they had important information - to review the information on our site and come forward with anything relevant."

The FBI released these photos as part of an investigation into who placed pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC headquarters in Washington, D.C., before the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. FBI Bulletin

In its latest appeal, the FBI said investigators conducted nearly 1,000 interviews, "visiting more than 1,200 residences and businesses," while collecting more than 39,000 video files and examining about 500 tips.

"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 attempts to justice," Sundberg said.

Rioters loyal to President Donald Trump gather at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on January 6, 2021. JOSE LUIS MAGANA / AP

For months, investigators had been searching for the suspect, whose blurry images were captured on security cameras on January 5, 2021, in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, wearing a gray hooded shirt, face mask, and signature yellow, black, and gray Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes.

Authorities said the explosive devices were placed near the Capitol Building between 7:30 p.m. And at 8:30 p.m., the night before, a mob of Donald Trump supporters breached the Capitol, trampling barriers and overrunning police.

The FBI said: "Although these bombs did not explode, it is important to remember that the suspect walked along the residential and commercial areas of Capitol Hill just blocks from the U.S. Capitol with workable pipe bombs that could have caused injuries." dangerous or killed innocent bystanders." The suspect "may still pose a danger to the public..."

Apart from the pipe bomb investigation, more than 950 people have been arrested in connection with the riots. Nearly 200 were arrested for assaulting law enforcement officers, and about half were charged with being armed with a dangerous or deadly weapon.

In all, 140 police officers were assaulted in the Capitol on January 6, 2021, including about 80 from the United States Capitol Police and about 60 from the D.C. Police Department.

"We will never forget the sacrifice of the law enforcement officers who defended members of Congress and others inside the Capitol that day," Attorney General Merrick Garland said Wednesday, marking the second anniversary of the attack. "And we will never forget the five officers who responded selflessly on January 6 and who have since lost their lives."

Two years later, investigators are still looking for more suspects in the riot, including four men highlighted Wednesday in surveillance videos attacking police during the siege.

One of the suspects, a bearded man in a bright plaid jacket and knit hat, was carrying a stick and appeared to repeatedly hit police as he was pushed towards the entrance of the Capitol.

The FBI urges people with any information regarding the suspects named at fbi.gov/capitolviolence to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

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