Washington D.C.

WASHINGTON – the FBI has arrested a suspect in connection with the placement of pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021, sources confirmed to CBS News on Friday. The arrest marks a notable advancement in a high-profile inquiry that has remained unsolved for over three years, shadowed by the broader probe into the attack on the U.S. Capitol.The finding of the pipe bombs prompted a massive investigation, diverting law enforcement resources during a period of heightened security surrounding the certification of the 2020 presidential election. While neither device detonated, their placement sparked fears of a coordinated attack and underscored the volatile atmosphere of that day. The arrest comes as the nation continues to grapple with the fallout from the January 6th insurrection and as authorities work to hold all those responsible accountable.

The FBI initially released grainy security camera footage of a potential suspect – a shadowy figure wearing a hoodie – and offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.In May 2024, then-Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the pipe bomb investigation was receiving “additional resources and investigative attention,” adding that he was receiving weekly briefings and the bureau was “making progress.”

The identity of the suspect is currently being withheld pending formal charges and court appearances. Further details regarding the arrest and the evidence leading to it are expected to be released in the coming days. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

D.C. National Guard Shooting Suspect Exhibited ⁢Isolation,​ Mental Health Struggles in Months Leading Up to Attack, ⁤Emails Show

WASHINGTON – The suspect in the recent shooting near the White ‍House, who has been identified as⁣ a member of ​the D.C. National Guard, displayed prolonged periods of isolation and reported⁢ struggles with mental health in the months preceding the incident, according to emails reviewed by CBS News. The revelations‍ raise questions about⁢ screening processes and support⁣ systems for⁤ National Guard⁣ members deployed to Washington, D.C.

The emails,dating back to 2024,detail concerns about the suspect’s well-being and ​behavior. Sources familiar with the correspondence indicate⁢ he spent “weeks on end” isolating himself and expressed⁤ difficulties with his mental health. This information emerged as investigators continue to probe the motive behind the ⁢shooting, which left two National Guard ⁢members injured.

The suspect, who sought asylum in the U.S.⁢ in December 2024 and was granted it in April 2025,underwent extensive⁤ vetting – including background checks,social media reviews,and in-person interviews – as part of the asylum process.Despite this, concerns about his mental state persisted, according to the reviewed emails.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed the suspect was⁤ “radicalized as he’s been here in this country,” suggesting connections to his home community.Though, an early review of his social media and messaging channels⁤ has not revealed ​links to foreign ​handlers or extremist groups, according to multiple U.S. officials.

Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, a nonprofit ⁤advocating for Afghan resettlement, ‌emphasized that the incident does not reflect the broader Afghan community, ​which “continues to contribute across the United states and undergoes some of the most ‌extensive⁤ vetting of any⁢ immigrant population.”

The suspect remains hospitalized,sedated and on a ventilator,complicating investigative efforts to interview him. U.S. intelligence analysts are currently examining his communications and online activity for ⁤any signs of international coordination or ideological radicalization.