As the January 6 Capitol riot approaches its fourth anniversary, scrutiny of federal law enforcement’s handling of unresolved cases has intensified. Most notably, the investigation into the pipe bombs placed outside both Republican and Democratic Party headquarters on January 5, 2021, remains unsolved. This issue has drawn pointed criticisms from former Secret Service agent and radio host Dan Bongino, along with ex-Trump official Kash Patel, who argue they have made more progress in understanding the mystery than the FBI has managed in years.
Bongino voiced his discontent during a recent interview, questioning the efficacy of the FBI under the Biden administration. “I don’t know what the hell they were doing,” he remarked. He accused the Bureau of prioritizing political agendas over justice, saying they are more focused on “weaponizing the FBI” than solving serious cases. His statements reflect a wider sentiment of frustration: If the FBI is capable of intensive surveillance and prosecuting a large number of January 6 protesters, why have they not arrested anyone for the bombings that posed a real threat to public safety?
On January 6, 2021, two functional explosives were discovered just blocks from the Capitol, in an area laden with surveillance due to its proximity to an important governmental event. While the FBI launched an investigation and released footage of a masked individual who appeared to plant the bombs, they have yet to identify a suspect despite a substantial reward for information. This raises significant questions about their resource allocation.
Recently, a theory emerged, published by The Blaze, suggesting a connection between a former Capitol Police officer and the pipe bomb case. While the FBI quickly dismissed this claim as false, Bongino and Patel assert they identified a credible suspect who had been part of internal discussions long before the theory surfaced publicly. Bongino, eyeing a hypothetical future role within the FBI, stated he would immediately seek clarity on the investigation, saying, “I want a full brief on the pipe bomb case.” He indicated that he and Patel undertook a “9-month operation” to identify the bomber, emphasizing the need for cooperation with the Department of Justice to make progress.
While Bongino’s assertions may lack independent verification, they highlight concerns regarding the politicization of law enforcement. Since the Capitol riot, the FBI has charged over 1,400 individuals linked to January 6—many for minor offenses—while the search for the pipe bomber remains unsolved. Critics argue that the FBI’s commitment to prosecuting protesters stands in stark contrast to their apparent lethargy in resolving the pipe bomb issue.
The FBI has defended its actions, claiming they tracked a primary suspect living near the RNC on the night of the bombs. Surveillance footage and other tracking methods confirmed this individual’s activities, yet no arrests or further developments have emerged nearly four years later. Meanwhile, the former officer implicated in The Blaze article has vehemently denied the allegations, with his attorney asserting the report is “reckless and defamatory.” The FBI has made no confirmations regarding the alleged similarities to the pipe bomber.
Kyle Seraphin, a former FBI Special Agent, hinted that while authorities may have had early leads, they either chose not to act or failed to disclose significant information. This lack of transparency further fuels skepticism about the investigation and the priorities of federal agencies.
Patel, who has a solid background in national security, expressed the urgency of finding the individual linked to the pipe bombs. “People died on January 6, and these bombs could have made it worse. Why has finding this person not been front and center?” he questioned, underscoring the severity of the unresolved threat.
In Congress, Republican lawmakers have begun to question the integrity of post-January 6 investigations. With a focus on oversight, some members are scrutinizing the government’s actions during and after the riot. This includes a push to reassess cases against individuals prosecuted for their roles during the Capitol events. Lawmakers like Reps. Barry Loudermilk and Thomas Massie are voicing concerns about perceived discrepancies in how the law has treated different groups involved in the incidents, suggesting a potential bias in the government’s approach.
The ongoing investigation into the pipe bombs symbolizes broader issues of public trust toward federal enforcement agencies. The rapid mobilization against January 6 protesters contrasts starkly with the foot-dragging on a critical investigation that poses significant national security risks. It accentuates the perception that justice is administered unevenly, based more on political affiliations than on the rule of law.
Furthermore, the events of January 6 led to a tragic loss within Capitol Police ranks when officer Ashli Babbitt was shot during the riot. Her death has drawn criticism, as the officer involved faced no charges, while countless others charged with minor offenses related to the protests endured severe consequences, including lengthy incarceration.
As Bongino and others call for greater accountability and transparency from the FBI, the agency continues to withhold substantial information about the case. With functional explosive devices capable of causing mass harm still unaccounted for, the public’s call for answers grows louder. Bongino’s statement, “You’re gonna get me this guy. You’re gonna find him. I want him,” underscores the sense of urgency and demand for closure that many now seek.
The lingering question is whether the American public will receive genuine answers or be met with continued silence and obfuscation as time marches on.
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