The FBI has arrested a suspect in connection with the pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic and Republican national committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021, the night before the Capitol riot. This arrest marks a significant development in an investigation that has lasted nearly five years and has been a source of numerous conspiracy theories.

The suspect, identified as Brian Cole, was taken into custody on Thursday morning in Virginia, according to sources familiar with the case. This is the first time investigators have identified a suspect in this case, which has long puzzled law enforcement. Details regarding the charges against Cole have not yet been disclosed, as the investigation remains ongoing.

The pipe bombs were discovered on the evening of January 5, 2021, near the offices of both national committees. Fortunately, no injuries occurred as the devices were safely rendered inactive. However, the FBI has stated that both bombs had the potential to cause significant harm.

In the years following the incident, the FBI sought public assistance in identifying a suspect seen on surveillance footage. Investigators struggled to determine the suspect's gender, motive, and any possible connection to the Capitol riot that occurred the following day. The riot involved supporters of then-President Donald Trump attempting to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election.

In January, the FBI released additional information about the investigation, including a description of the suspect as approximately 5-foot-7 and previously unreleased video footage showing the individual placing one of the bombs. Despite receiving hundreds of tips and reviewing thousands of video files, investigators had not been able to identify a suspect until now.

The lack of concrete evidence surrounding the case has led to various conspiracy theories, particularly among some Republican lawmakers and right-wing media outlets. Questions have been raised about security lapses, including how law enforcement failed to detect the bombs for 17 hours. Dan Bongino, the current FBI deputy director, previously suggested that the incident could have been an “inside job” and involved a “massive cover-up.”

Bongino and FBI Director Kash Patel have worked to revitalize the investigation, despite their criticisms of the bureau's handling of the January 6 events. In a recent social media post, Bongino noted that the FBI had increased resources and personnel dedicated to the case and had raised the public reward for information.

The investigation has included extensive analysis of surveillance footage, digital records, and credit card transactions to identify potential leads. Investigators have focused on the suspect's appearance, including their clothing and footwear, as they continue to seek answers in this high-profile case.