A new report reveals that Kamala Harris, then vice president-elect, was within feet of a “viable” pipe bomb during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. The Department of Homeland Security investigation found that her motorcade passed within 20 feet of the device as it entered the Democratic National Committee (DNC) headquarters.
The report highlights significant security lapses by the Secret Service on the day when Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol. The bombs, planted outside the DNC and Republican National Committee (RNC) headquarters the night before, were discovered during the chaos. Harris was evacuated from the DNC headquarters once the bomb was found.
The Secret Service struggled with manpower and communication issues during the riot. Trump had earlier urged his supporters to “fight like hell” to contest the 2020 election results, leading to the Capitol breach.
The report suggests that the Secret Service’s shortcomings on January 6 provided an opportunity to improve future preparedness. This follows recent criticism of the agency for security failures related to an assassination attempt on Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. The Secret Service’s director Kimberly Cheatle resigned last week, and Ronald Rowe, her acting replacement, acknowledged the security lapses that allowed the attack.
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A $500,000 reward is still available for information leading to the arrest of the pipe bomber. Security footage shows the suspect, wearing a facemask, gray hoodie, and gloves, carrying the bombs in a rucksack.
Despite detailed public appeals and security camera footage, the FBI has yet to identify the suspect. The bombs, which were intended to detonate on January 6, did not explode. Investigators continue to prioritize solving this case, with substantial efforts invested in analyzing data and conducting investigations.
After the attack, authorities released the video below showing the suspect planting bombs at various locations. The FBI is seeking public assistance to identify the individual.
