FBI releases footage of suspect planting bombs before Capitol riot

The FBI has released footage on Tuesday of a suspect planting two pipe bombs shortly before the Capitol Hill riot in Washington DC on Jan 6, NBC News reports.

According to the FBI, the bombs were planted between 7:30 and 8:30 pm outside the DNC and RNC headquarters, both of which are a short walk away from the Capitol, on Jan 5.

"These pipe bombs were viable devices that could have been detonated, resulting in injury or death. We need the public's help to identify the individual responsible for placing these pipe bombs, to ensure they will not harm themselves or anyone else," said FBI Washington DC field office assistant director Steven D'Antuono.

The suspect was wearing a grey hoodie, a mask, and was carrying a backpack. He was also wearing black, grey, and yellow Nike Air Max Speed Turf. The FBI is hoping that the video footage will allow someone who may know the suspect to identify him by his body language and demeanor.

While neither of the devices went off during the riot, the FBI reported that the bombs were home-made and fully functional. Some officials believe that the bombs were planted to distract police from the riot at the Capitol, as the device caused dozens of officers to leave their posts less than two hours before the riot began.

The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward to anyone who provides information leading to the suspect's arrest.