Blaze News investigative reporters Steve Baker and Joseph Hanneman say they have reportedly identified the masked individual responsible for placing pipe bombs near the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021.
Baker, who previously faced scrutiny from federal authorities for his extensive reporting on the Jan. 6 Capitol events, shared details with Blaze Media co-founder Glenn Beck, who described the development as both “monstrous” and potentially implicating federal agencies.
The pipe bomb attempts occurred a day before the Capitol riot, targeting the nation’s major political institutions.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Metropolitan Police Department, offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Despite these efforts, the case remained unresolved publicly for nearly three years, heightening concerns about political security and federal oversight.
Baker and Hanneman’s previous investigative work on Jan. 6 had already earned attention for uncovering details that mainstream reporting overlooked, positioning them to follow critical leads in the pipe bomb case.
Baker described his initial reaction after connecting the masked bomber to a specific individual.
He said he immediately brought the findings to sources within a high-level federal investigative agency, which reportedly confirmed the match with surprise.
Beck emphasized the significance of the development, suggesting it could represent one of the most serious lapses in federal oversight in recent memory.
A key component of the investigation relied on forensic gait analysis, which examines patterns in an individual’s walking or running.
Baker explained that software comparing the bomber’s movements to video of the suspect in private settings produced a 94 percent match, while human analysts reportedly expressed even higher confidence.
Experts note that gait analysis can provide reliable corroborating evidence, particularly when fingerprints or facial recognition are unavailable, making it a valuable tool in complex criminal investigations.
In prior cases, gait analysis has helped identify suspects in high-profile attacks and thefts, lending credibility to its use here.
Baker and Hanneman also criticized federal agencies for their handling of the case.
They alleged that portions of FBI footage omitted crucial details, such as a U.S. Capitol Police vehicle near the suspect and questioned whether a poorly timed law enforcement training exercise contributed to confusion.
The reporters argue that these issues highlight potential lapses in transparency and investigative rigor.
Citing concerns about an active cover-up, Baker withheld presenting the evidence to federal authorities.
Beck noted that the suspect’s name would be released once the relevant agencies have “battened down the hatches,” highlighting the sensitive nature of the information.
The reporters’ work underscores the critical role of independent journalism in uncovering leads that might otherwise be overlooked or suppressed.
If confirmed, the suspect’s identification could have major implications for how federal investigative agencies manage politically sensitive cases.
The development raises questions about evidence handling, inter-agency coordination and the responsiveness of law enforcement to threats against political institutions.
With Beck visibly stunned, the nation now awaits further details on the alleged pipe bomber and the potential ramifications for those responsible for overseeing the investigation.
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