Three years after the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol, new footage has emerged raising questions about the actions of security on that fateful day.
The House Administration Committee’s oversight subcommittee, led by Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-G.A., recently held a hearing to examine the law enforcement response to pipe bombs planted near the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters.
New footage has since emerged of the bomb squad destroying the alleged explosives at the DNC.
Take a look —
Previously, Rep. Loudermilk presented videos showing Secret Service agents and a bomb-sniffing dog conducting sweeps near the DNC headquarters on the morning of January 6.
These sweeps failed to detect the pipe bomb that was later discovered by Capitol Police at approximately 1:07 p.m. The footage has sparked questions about their efforts, particularly given that then-Vice President-elect Kamala Harris reportedly came within feet of the device during a visit to the DNC.
“I mean, the Secret Service did two sweeps of the perimeter out there. Never identified the bomb that was left to be seen,” Loudermilk stated after the hearing.
Capitol Police Assistant Chief Sean Gallagher testified that both devices found at the DNC and RNC were “fully functional and viable pipe bombs.”
He said that “all aspects of the department needed improvement” following the events of January 6 and outlined steps taken to enhance security protocols.
The FBI continues to seek the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect who placed the pipe bombs. David Sundberg, assistant director in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office, emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation.
“Over the past three years, a dedicated team of FBI agents, analysts, data scientists, and law enforcement partners has worked thousands of hours conducting interviews, reviewing physical and digital evidence, and assessing tips from the public,” he said in a statement.
A $500,000 reward remains in effect for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible. The FBI has released images and video of the suspect, including footage of the person’s backpack, shoes, and the route taken on the night the bombs were placed.
As the investigation continues, some Republicans, including Rep. Loudermilk, have raised questions about the official narratives surrounding the January 6 attack.
The pipe bombs were allegedly planted between approximately 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on January 5, 2021, in a Capitol Hill neighborhood just blocks from the U.S. Capitol.
The devices did not detonate.