FBI Director Kash Patel directly criticized the Biden administration for its approach to the investigation of the pipe bombs planted at the U.S. Capitol on January 5, 2021. Speaking on “Fox News @ Night Now,” Patel accused the previous administration of neglecting critical evidence for four years and failing to make progress in the case. Under his direction, the FBI adopted new techniques, incorporating cell phone geolocation data to pursue leads.
Patel stated, “We went back and looked at the cellphone tower data dumps” and scrutinized the information provided by phone service providers. He raised questions about why certain phone numbers had not been thoroughly investigated and why there had been a lack of geolocation data. The director did not mince words, asserting, “That is either sheer incompetence or complete intentional negligence… and neither of which is acceptable for this FBI.”
Patel’s comments came shortly after the FBI arrested Brian Cole Jr. from Woodbridge, Virginia, who is accused of placing two pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic National Committees’ headquarters while the Capitol was under siege on January 6. He condemned the previous attempts at the investigation, describing it as fundamentally flawed. “This guy… planted bombs at the United States Capitol on camera,” Patel remarked. “And the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the prior four years couldn’t find him… Completely unacceptable.”
Highlighting the efforts that led to Cole’s identification, Patel mentioned how investigators returned to the basics of traditional policing. They sifted through numerous tips and conducted interviews that eventually led to identifying the suspect. A critical aspect of the investigation involved the distinctive Nike sneakers that Cole was suspected of wearing, noting that only a limited number were made in the United States. “We, the FBI, have the best cellphone capability tracking systems,” Patel said. This technology helped connect personal characteristics of the suspect, such as height, weight, and footwear, to the information gathered.
Patel emphasized the importance of gathering substantial evidence to withstand legal scrutiny. He noted, “We can arrest anyone we want. But we worked with our partners at the Department of Justice, the attorney general and the U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, to leverage countless subpoenas and legal processes before we ever decided to hit the House, like we did this morning.”
The careful coordination with legal authorities was essential to ensure a successful operation. Cole faces charges related to the use of an explosive device, as announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi. His arrest marks an important moment in a case that had previously sparked frustration over the investigative process. Cole is set to make his first court appearance in Washington, D.C., on Friday.
Patel’s remarks serve as a clear indication that changes are underway within the FBI under his leadership. The focus on utilizing advanced technology and returning to fundamental investigative practices may set the tone for future efforts. As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact public trust in federal law enforcement agencies and their ability to tackle high-stakes cases.
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