FBI releases video of pipe bomb suspect near RNC and DNC just hours before the Capitol riot

The FBI has released surveillance video of someone allegedly planting pipe bombs near the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee offices in Washington, DC on the eve of the Capitol riot on January 6.

The video shows a person wearing a face mask and a gray hooded sweatshirt while carrying a backpack that investigators say was loaded with explosive devices. The devices were not located by law enforcement until the next day.

In the video, the suspected bomber is seen standing with the bag in a residential neighborhood on South Capitol Street at 7:40pm on January 5. 

The bomber places the bag on the ground as a man walks by with his dog.

In the video, the suspected bomber is seen standing with the bag in a residential neighborhood on South Capitol Street at 7:40pm on January 5

Moments later, a man seen walking his dog (left) passes by the alleged bomber on South Capitol Street

Moments later, a man seen walking his dog (left) passes by the alleged bomber on South Capitol Street

The bomber places the bag on the ground as a man walks by with his dog

The bomber places the bag on the ground as a man walks by with his dog

Twelve minutes later, the man is seen seated on a bench in front of the DNC, where the first pipe bomb was allegedly placed under a bush

Twelve minutes later, the man is seen seated on a bench in front of the DNC, where the first pipe bomb was allegedly placed under a bush

The alleged bomber is seen above in an alley between the RNC and the Capitol Hill Club at 8:14pm on January 5, according to the FBI

The alleged bomber is seen above in an alley between the RNC and the Capitol Hill Club at 8:14pm on January 5, according to the FBI

The FBI says that the second pipe bomb was found not far from this alley

The FBI says that the second pipe bomb was found not far from this alley

Twelve minutes later, the man is seen seated on a bench in front of the DNC, where the first pipe bomb was allegedly placed under a bush.

The suspect is seen zipping up the bag, standing up, and walking away.  

In another clip, the alleged bomber is seen in an alley near the RNC, not far from where a second pipe bomb was found, according to the FBI.

The suspected bomber is seen in the alley at 8:14pm. A few moments later, the suspect is seen walking in front of the Capitol Hill Club, which is right next to the RNC. 

The suspected bomber is seen in the alley at 8:14pm. A few moments later, the suspect is seen walking in front of the Capitol Hill Club, which is right next to the RNC

The suspected bomber is seen in the alley at 8:14pm. A few moments later, the suspect is seen walking in front of the Capitol Hill Club, which is right next to the RNC

The FBI's wanted poster also includes a close-up image of the alleged bomber's sneakers

The FBI’s wanted poster also includes a close-up image of the alleged bomber’s sneakers

The bureau says the suspect was wearing a pair of Nike 'Air Max Speed Turf' shoes with a yellow swoosh (like the one seen in the above file photo)

The bureau says the suspect was wearing a pair of Nike ‘Air Max Speed Turf’ shoes with a yellow swoosh (like the one seen in the above file photo)

The FBI claims the explosives were made with 1x8-inch threaded galvanized pipes, a kitchen timer, and homemade black powder

The FBI claims the explosives were made with 1×8-inch threaded galvanized pipes, a kitchen timer, and homemade black powder

The kitchen timer attached to one of the explosives is seen in the above handout provided by the FBI

The kitchen timer attached to one of the explosives is seen in the above handout provided by the FBI

The RNC is located less than a half-mile away from the Cannon House Office Building, where many members of Congress work. 

‘These pipe bombs were viable devices that could have been detonated, resulting in serious injury or death,’ said Steven D’Antuono, the FBI’s assistant director in charge of the Washington Field Office said in statement. 

‘We need the public’s help to identify the individual responsible for placing these pipe bombs to ensure they will not harm themselves or anyone else.’

The FBI’s wanted poster also includes a close-up image of the alleged bomber’s sneakers – a pair of Nike ‘Air Max Speed Turf’ shoes with a yellow swoosh. 

‘We still believe there is someone out there who has information they may not have realized was significant until now,’ D’Antuono said. 

‘We know it can be a difficult decision to report information about family or friends – but this is about protecting human life.’

The FBI claims the explosives were made with 1×8-inch threaded galvanized pipes, a kitchen timer, and homemade black powder. 

It is unclear if the suspect seen in the video is a man or a woman. The FBI hopes that someone in the general public will notice this individual’s gait and provide a useful tip that would lead to this person’s apprehension. 

A reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect stands at $100,000. 

US Capitol Police and agents from the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were called to the Republican National Committee’s office around 12:45pm on January 6. 

About 30 minutes later, as the agents and bomb technicians were still investigating at the RNC, another call came in for a second, similar explosive device found at the Democratic National Committee headquarters nearby.

Less than two hours after the devices were found, a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol as Congress was certifying Democrat Joe Biden’s victory over then-President Donald Trump

Less than two hours after the devices were found, a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol as Congress was certifying Democrat Joe Biden’s victory over then-President Donald Trump

Since that day, Washington, DC has been placed under extremely tight security for fear that extremists would target members of Congress. National Guard troops are seen above outside the US Capitol building on Monday

Since that day, Washington, DC has been placed under extremely tight security for fear that extremists would target members of Congress. National Guard troops are seen above outside the US Capitol building on Monday

The two explosive devices were very similar, and both were about a foot long with end caps and wiring that appeared to be attached to a timer, two law enforcement officials familiar with the matter have told The Associated Press.  

Less than two hours after the devices were found, a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol as Congress was certifying Democrat Joe Biden’s victory over then-President Donald Trump. 

Five people died in the riot, including a Capitol Police officer and a Trump supporter shot by police. 

In a charged speech on January 6 near the White House, Trump implored thousands of supporters to ‘fight like hell.’ Many of those supporters eventually walked to the Capitol grounds and overran officers to breach the building.

Trump was impeached by the House on a charge of incitement of insurrection but was acquitted by the Senate. So far, about 300 people have been charged with federal crimes for their roles in the riot.

Since that day, Washington, DC has been placed under extremely tight security for fear that extremists would target members of Congress.