A photo released by the FBI after the incident.

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

A major breakthrough has come in one of the most mysterious cases tied to the events surrounding the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

The FBI has apprehended a suspect in connection with planting two viable pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters the night before the attack, according to multiple reports.

The arrest was made Thursday morning, Dec. 4, and a news conference is scheduled later in the day, NBC News reports.

Authorities say the bombs were left outside the RNC and DNC offices in Washington, DC, between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2021. 

The devices, made from pipes, kitchen timers, and homemade black powder, were found about 15 hours later, just as the Capitol riot was beginning. The bombs did not detonate, but officials say they were capable of causing injuries or deaths had they gone off.

The nearly five-year investigation was one of the largest in FBI history, involving more than 39,000 video files, over 1,000 interviews, and 600 tips.

Surveillance footage showed a hooded individual wearing Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers placing the bombs. In early 2025, the FBI released new video and estimated the suspect’s height at about 5-foot-7. The agency offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

The suspect is a Virginia resident, according to The New York Times. The person's identity has not yet been announced, nor has a motive.

The arrest brings closure to a case that drew criticism of law enforcement for not finding the bombs sooner, especially since then-Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was near the DNC site at the time.

Check back to Daily Voice for updates.