The FBI announced a reward offer of up to $50,000 for “information leading to the location, arrest, and conviction” of suspects in connection to pipe bombs placed outside two political offices in Washington.
The bureau released a photo of one suspect on Thursday night after the devices were found outside the Republican National Committee’s and the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters on Wednesday. The police were able to defuse both explosives without incident.
#FBIWFO is offering a reward of up to $50K for info leading to the location, arrest & conviction of the person(s) responsible for the pipe bombs found in DC on Jan. 6. https://t.co/q9pdw6Rnoy pic.twitter.com/aQ7Vz4uydO
— FBI Washington Field (@FBIWFO) January 8, 2021
The reward follows an initial request from the FBI seeking the public’s help in identifying people who were involved in violent activity on Wednesday in the Capitol.
“The FBI is seeking to identify individuals instigating violence in Washington, D.C. We are accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting or violence in and around the U.S. Capitol on January 6. If you have information, visit http://fbi.gov/USCapitol,” the FBI tweeted.
The FBI is seeking to identify individuals instigating violence in Washington, D.C. We are accepting tips and digital media depicting rioting or violence in and around the U.S. Capitol on January 6. If you have information, visit https://t.co/buMd8vYXzH.
— FBI (@FBI) January 7, 2021
After a “Stop the Steal” rally, at which President Trump spoke and encouraged supporters to march to the U.S. Capitol, rioters broke into the building and disrupted lawmakers who were affirming President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College win. Five people died in connection to the violence, including a Capitol Police officer.
In a Thursday press release requesting public assistance, the FBI drew a distinction between those peacefully protesting and the rioters.
“Our goal is to preserve the public’s constitutional right to protest by protecting everyone from violence and other criminal activity,” it read.
