FBI releases new footage of 2021 DNC, RNC pipe bomb suspect placing explosives

The FBI has released previously unseen surveillance footage showing the suspect who planted pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters on the eve of the January 6 Capitol riot, renewing its $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

In a statement on X, the bureau wrote: “The FBI is still offering a $500,000 reward for information that helps identify the person who placed pipe bombs at the offices of the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee on January 5, 2021. As part of our ongoing investigation, we’re releasing an updated video of the subject, which includes previously unreleased footage, higher quality video, and longer clips of the subject’s movements.”

The newly released video tracks the suspect’s movements between 7:30 and 8:30 pm on January 5, 2021. The individual, described as roughly 5’7” tall and wearing a gray hoodie, black gloves, and Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes with a yellow logo, can be seen carrying a backpack while walking through Washington, DC’s Capitol Hill neighborhoods.

The suspect was first spotted near 1st Street and North Carolina Avenue SE at 7:34 pm, later stopping along South Capitol Street to set down one backpack believed to contain a bomb. Around 7:54 pm, the person was filmed sitting on a bench outside the DNC headquarters and placing what investigators believe was the first device. At 8:16 pm, the suspect planted a second bomb near the RNC headquarters before disappearing from view.

The FBI has spent nearly four years chasing hundreds of leads, reviewing thousands of hours of video, and conducting more than 1,000 interviews. Despite extensive investigation, the identity of the suspect remains unknown.

In January, the agency released enhanced video clips to generate new tips, and in May, Deputy Director Dan Bongino told Fox & Friends that agents were “pretty confident” they were closing in on suspects. He emphasized that social media engagement has proven vital in bringing forward new leads, calling public involvement “essential” to solving the case.

While no one was injured, authorities say the bombs, both safely neutralized, could have caused mass casualties. Then–Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was inside the DNC offices when the explosive was discovered, and then–House Speaker Nancy Pelosi had passed the same area moments earlier.

Officials continue to urge anyone with information about the suspect or the distinctive Nike shoes to contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.