FBI Director Kash Patel on Thursday leveled a serious accusation against the administration preceding President Donald Trump's current term. He contended that critical evidence in the 2021 pipe bomb case was neglected for years. This case pertains to explosive devices discovered outside the Democratic and Republican national headquarters on the eve of the January 6 Capitol protests.
Patel characterized the oversight as either "sheer incompetence or complete intentional negligence." The shift in bureau leadership is credited with reinvigorating the investigation, which had become inactive.
On the same day as Patel's remarks, authorities apprehended Brian Cole Jr., a 30-year-old resident of Woodbridge, Virginia. Cole is accused of placing the bombs outside the political party offices and is set to be arraigned in a Washington, D.C. court.
Investigators used financial transactions and cell phone data to link Cole to both the construction and deployment of the explosive devices. The trail of evidence reportedly dates back to 2019.
During an appearance on Fox News, Patel revealed that three million lines of evidence had been examined. The investigative team scrutinized cell tower logs, location data, and digital records that had been previously disregarded.
Patel outlined the deficiencies in the earlier investigation, questioning why phone numbers linked to the bombings were not cross-referenced, why warrants were not thoroughly executed, and why geolocation evidence was left unexplored. He condemned these oversights as either significant lapses or willful disregard for investigative duties, deeming both scenarios unacceptable.
Following President Trump's return to office, Patel noted that the FBI's approach had changed, and all evidence was revisited. Trump appointed former Fox News host Dan Bongino as the FBI's deputy director, who declared the case a top priority. Bongino, who had previously speculated on the bomber's possible political connections or involvement in an internal operation, stated that his past opinions were separate from the FBI's current fact-driven investigation.
Bongino emphasized that the bureau was now strictly evidence-based. He reassured the public that more information would be disclosed and expressed confidence in having identified the perpetrator. He also refuted political conjectures surrounding the case and affirmed the new leadership's dedication to following evidence wherever it leads.
According to Patel, the renewed probe signifies a significant turnaround within the FBI. He claimed that other stagnant cases are under review, with a commitment to prevent any future "slow walking" or suppression of investigations.
The discovery of the pipe bombs occurred prior to detonation. Patel underscored the public's right to understand why such a substantial threat went unaddressed for an extended period.
