FBI to reward $75,000 for suspect who placed pipe bombs during Capitol riot

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has increased its reward for a lead on any suspects responsible for the pipe bombs discovered on Capitol Hill. The public reward will be handed to anyone with information that leads to the "location, arrest, and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the pipe bombs found in DC on January 6." It was originally set at $50,000 a day after the pipe bombs were first discovered, but it has since been raised as per a tweet published on Thursday by the FBI's Washington Field Office. The tweet included photos of the suspect, NBC News reports.

In the photographs, the suspect can be seen wearing gloves, a mask, bulky sneakers, dark wash pants, and a grey hoodie with the hood pulled up. The suspect was also carrying a backpack. Both the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives are on the search for at least one suspect who could be responsible for placing the pipe bombs. According to the notice posted on Twitter, multiple law enforcement agencies received reports of two suspected pipe bombs between 1:00 and 1:15 pm on January 6, when the protests occurred. One bomb was detected at the headquarters of the Republican National Committee at 310 First Street Southeast in Washington, DC.

The second bomb was detected at the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee at 430 Capitol South Street Southeast #3, also in Washington, DC. Both pipe bombs discovered during the "mayhem of the riot" at the United States Capitol Building were improvised explosive devices. They were promptly defused by experts and did not detonate. Those with any information related to the explosive devices have been prompted to contact the FBI's toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (that is, 1-800-255-5324). They may also provide details online, through the bureau's website. The notice instructs, "You may also contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate."

In response, several Twitter users hoped for the suspect to be found as soon as possible and brought to swift justice. One Twitter user wrote, "I hope all US citizens view it as their civic duty to report anyone they know that participated in this violent event or report any person they recognize from these images to law enforcement." Another added, "I really hope that someone with a conscience comes forward." To submit an anonymous tip online, you can visit the official FBI website here.