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11 hours ago
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FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino claims bureau ‘closing in' on suspects who planted Jan. 6 DC pipe bombs
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino made headlines this week when he revealed the bureau was "closing in" on suspects involved in planting two pipe bombs near the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, a sign that the bureau may soon solve the nagging, four-year mystery. "The second we got in, I put a team on it and I said, 'I want answers on this,'" Bongino told "Fox & Friends." "And I'm pretty confident that we're closing in on some suspects." Law enforcement discovered the two pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic National Committees' headquarters around the same time that thousands of rioters a few blocks away began to descend on the Capitol in protest of the 2020 election results. A faction of President Donald Trump's base has since raised questions about the timing of the pipe bomb incident and security failures surrounding it and speculated that the Biden administration was not forthright to the public about the facts of the case. Prior to being sworn in, Bongino was a leading voice perpetuating that notion. Fbi 'Closing In' On Suspects In Case Of Dc Pipe Bombs Placed On Eve Of Jan 6 A former Secret Service agent and podcast host, Bongino told listeners of his popular right-wing show that the FBI lied about the pipe bomb incident because the bureau did not want people to know it was an "inside job." Read On The Fox News App Now as deputy director, Bongino is facing pressure from supporters and critics alike to release new details about the case. Video footage released by the Fbi shows an unidentified person placing the pipe bombs near the two headquarters more than 16 hours before law enforcement found them. The suspect is seen wearing a gray hoodie, Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers, a face mask, glasses, and gloves. Fbi Reopening Investigation Into Cocaine Found At Biden White House Prior to the administration change in January, the FBI also unveiled a minor last-minute detail that the suspect's height was about 5-foot-7. A woman who is a Capitol Hill resident alerted a security guard that she spotted the first pipe bomb in an alley behind the RNC headquarters while she was out retrieving her laundry around 1 p.m. Security footage showed her running from the area of the washer and dryer and notifying the guard. That set off a furious search that led officers at the DNC headquarters to discover a second pipe bomb there. A Department of Homeland Security (Dhs) inspector general report published last year revealed the two explosive devices were "viable" and "could have detonated, causing innocent bystanders to be seriously injured or killed." Fbi Releases Video Showing January 2021 Pipe Bomb Suspect Planting Device Outside Dnc, Rnc Offices In Dc The bombs included one-hour timers. An FBI official said they did not believe the timers could have detonated the bombs since the time had already elapsed when the bombs were found, according to the DHS report. That report and an investigative report released by House Republicans revealed that then-Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at one point came within feet of the pipe bomb by the DNC. The FBI has said it has received more than 600 tips, and it continues to offer a $500,000 reward for any successful leads. The House Republicans' report noted the FBI initially investigated a person who searched on the internet for "pipe bomb DC" and a person who had recently purchased the Nike shoes seen in the surveillance footage. The report noted, however, that the pace of the FBI's inquiry dropped off after about a month as a result of leads drying article source: FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino claims bureau 'closing in' on suspects who planted Jan. 6 DC pipe bombs
Yahoo
2 days ago
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20 years after Natalee Holloway vanished, suspect's confession still leaves questions: PI
Graphic content warning Twenty years have passed since 18-year-old Natalee Holloway of Alabama disappeared on May 30, 2005, during a senior trip to Aruba with her high school friends, but the Holloway family's private investigator says there are still many unanswered questions in the case. In 2023, 36-year-old Dutch national Joran van der Sloot, the primary suspect in Holloway's disappearance and murder, confessed to bashing the teenager's head with a brick and dumping her body in the ocean after she refused his advances. "I smash her head in with it completely," van der Sloot said in an Oct. 3, 2023, interview with federal authorities. "Her face basically, you know, collapses in. Even though it's dark, I can see her face is collapsed in." TJ Ward, a private investigator hired by Holloway's family in 2005 and again in 2010, does not believe he acted alone. Lessons Learned In Natalee Holloway Disappearance Apply To Sudiksha Konanki Case: Retired Fbi Agent Read On The Fox News App "Twenty years, can you believe that?" he told Fox News Digital in an interview this week, marking two decades since the 18-year-old graduate vanished from Carlos'n Charlie's, a restaurant and nightclub in Oranjestad, Aruba. "She had a bright future. She got a scholarship to go to college for medical school – ubelievable." Ward does work for a voice analysis company based in Israel, which paid the private investigator to travel to Aruba after Holloway disappeared. There, he met with her parents as well as the FBI and Aruba authorities. Ward said he used the voice analysis technology on van de Sloot's existing interviews at the time and determined that he was lying to authorities and to the public. Beth Holloway Addresses Missing American College Student, Urges 'Full Circle' Safety Plan "We knew numerous times along the course of the investigation [and] over the last few years that Joran van der Sloot was not telling the truth," Ward said. "Thereafter, we started locating witnesses and talking and finding information that was going on with the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, and we knew a lot of the information that Van der Sloot was communicating was not true." Holloway was last seen leaving Carlos'n Charlie's with van der Sloot and two other men, brothers Satish and Deepak Kalpoe, on the evening of May 30, two decades ago as of Friday. The three men were considered early suspects in the case. News Anchor's Mysterious Disappearance Was Crime Of 'Jealousy': Private Investigator Police arrested van der Sloot but eventually released him due to a lack of evidence. Authorities eyed the same suspects again in 2007 after uncovering "new facts" but wound up releasing them once more. Holloway's remains have never been found. Timeline Of Alabama Teen Natalee Holloway's Death Five years to the day after Holloway's disappearance, van der Sloot killed 21-year-old Stephany Flores, a business student from a wealthy Peruvian family who crossed paths with the killer on May 30, 2010. Van der Sloot later confessed to killing her in a fit of anger after she learned about his connection to Holloway's disappearance. They had met earlier in her father's casino in Lima, and he beat her to death in his hotel room the following morning. Joran Van Der Sloot Has Confessed To Killing Natalee Holloway In June 2010, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Alabama announced an indictment on extortion and wire fraud charges against Van der Sloot for allegedly trying to sell information about the whereabouts of her body to her family. "Joran contacted Natalie's mother and Natalie's attorney, John Q. Kelly, in New York and said that for $250,000 he would tell Beth exactly what happened to his daughter," Ward said. "So John Q. Kelly, along with the FBI, arranged to set up a room in the Marriott with the Aruban authorities … and Joran van der Sloot came in and started telling Beth and John Q. Kelly that Natalie was buried under a house in the concrete. Well, they in turn gave him $25,000 cash, on film, and he then departed. He should have been arrested right then and there for the FBI for trying to extort Natalie's mother." Peru Allows Natalee Holloway's Killer Multiple Conjugal Visits For His Mental Health, Rehabilitation He then left the United States and later told Beth Holloway and Kelly that he lied. Van der Sloot is currently serving prison time in Peru for Flores' murder. He is expected to be released in 2036, at which point Peruvian authorities will extradite him back to the United States to serve his concurrent 20-year sentence for Holloway's murder. AUDIO: LISTEN TO JORAN VAN DER SLOOT'S CONFESSION "You have brutally murdered, in separate incidents, years apart, two young women who refused your sexual advances," Judge Anna Manasco told van der Sloot in court in 2023, referencing Flores' murder. Joran Van Der Sloot's Whirlwind Plea Deal: 'He Won The Game,' But Family Accepts Closure Manasco called the extortion and fraud charges "heinous" because the killer knew the information he was selling was a lie to make a profit. However, as part of the deal, she said federal prosecutors have agreed not to use his confession against him for any other purposes. "After 18 years, Natalee's case has been solved," Beth Holloway told reporters outside the courthouse immediately after van der Sloot's 2023 sentencing hearing in Holloway's death. "Joran van der Sloot is the killer." In a victim-impact statement during the hearing, Holloway's mother tore into van der Sloot, saying he taunted her family and caused indescribable pain before turning to him and saying, "You look like hell." Ward told Fox News Digital this week that Beth Holloway feels "kind of satisfied with the fact that he is in prison, and now he's gotten jail time in the United States, which he's going to have to do concurrent to the charges in Peru of the 20 years in the United States in the federal penitentiary. " Click Here For More True Crime From Fox News The private investigator added that he continues to stay in touch with Dave Holloway to this day and that they have not reached "a finalization of what happened." "Even though Joran van der Sloot confessed in 2023, we're not convinced that he was alone with what transpired with Natalee Halloway," Ward said. "But again, our conclusion, as of today, Dave Holloway and I are still looking and trying to gather information, which we believe that there's other people involved with Joran van der Sloot when she was on the beach in May 30, 2005." Ward said he does not believe van der Sloot acted alone, and he is still working to determine if others were involved. Fox News' Michael Ruiz and Adam Sabes contributed to this article source: 20 years after Natalee Holloway vanished, suspect's confession still leaves questions: PI
Yahoo
2 days ago
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FBI 'closing in' on suspects in case of DC pipe bombs placed on eve of Jan 6
The FBI is ramping up its investigation into pipe bombs planted in Washington, D.C. on the eve of the Jan. 6 Capitol riots in 2021. One top official is now suggesting that after four years, the bureau is getting close to a major break in the case. "I want answers on this, and I'm pretty confident that we're closing in on some suspects," FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino told "Fox & Friends" Thursday, noting the case is a top priority. The FBI renewed its focus on the unsolved case earlier this year. In January, investigators released new video footage showing the person who planted the bombs outside the headquarters of both the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C. Fbi Releases Video Showing January 2021 Pipe Bomb Suspect Planting Device Outside Dnc, Rnc Offices In Dc Bongino criticized what he described as a lack of attention to the case during the Biden administration, despite the broader focus on the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, for which over 1,000 people were arrested and convicted. Read On The Fox News App "We were told by partisan actors out there, this was the insurrection, the world was [going to] fall apart, and no one seemed to show any interest in this case," he argued, adding that he and FBI Director Kash Patel have made the pipe bomb investigation a priority for their department. The 6 Biggest Fbi Scandals Under The Biden Administration Besides the video footage, in January the FBI also released more details about the suspect's physical characteristics. They believe the individual to be about 5-foot, 7-inches and to have worn a grey hoodie, face mask, black gloves and Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes. Investigators claim they've followed hundreds of leads, reviewed thousands of video files, and conducted over 1,000 interviews in the case. Bongino emphasized the importance of public involvement and said social media is a vital tool for generating new case leads. Fbi Reopening Investigation Into Cocaine Found At Biden White House "Every time I put a tweet out, we get tips. We got a fascinating tip on one of these cases. One of the three," Bongino said, referring to three high-profile cases: the 2021 pipe bombs, the 2022 leak of the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision on abortion and the cocaine discovered in the White House in 2023. 'When They Fail, Americans Die': Trump Source Blasts Fbi, Urges Swift Confirmation Of Kash Patel As Director "I don't [want to] say which one, but I'm pretty confident that we're going to close out one of them, hopefully, soon." Although no one was injured in the 2021 pipe bomb incident, authorities say the attack could have been deadly. Then Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was inside the DNC's offices when the pipe bomb was discovered. Then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also passed by the bomb before it was discovered and safely removed by authorities. The FBI is offering a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the article source: FBI 'closing in' on suspects in case of DC pipe bombs placed on eve of Jan 6
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
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FBI examining COVID-19 origin 'cover-up' amid new strain emergence: Bongino
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated Wednesday evening that the bureau is examining issues related to the origin of COVID-19, though he did not confirm the existence of a formal investigation into a cover-up. Bongino made the remarks in a post on X amid growing media attention on a newly identified Covid-19 strain. "As we read and process reports of a new COVID strain emerging, I want you to know that we are actively investigating, in multiple field offices, the cover-up of the origin of the COVID virus, along with associated matters requiring our attention," Bongino wrote. "The American people deserve answers." Fbi Deputy Director Bongino: Illegal Alien Criminals And Child Predators Are Next In Ongoing Crackdown He did not identify specific individuals or entities under scrutiny. The FBI has not issued an official news release on the matter, and the scope of the review remains unclear. The FBI did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Read On The Fox News App Bongino's comment represents one of the most direct public statements by a senior FBI official regarding the agency's continued interest in the pandemic's origin and the surrounding circumstances. In 2023, then-FBI Director Christopher Wray said the agency assessed with moderate confidence that COVID-19 most likely originated from a lab incident in Wuhan, China. Chinese authorities have consistently denied such claims, calling them politically motivated and unsubstantiated. Fbi Deputy Director Dan Bongino: James Comey 'Brought Shame To The Fbi Again' With '86 47' Post Bongino's post follows the detection of a new COVID-19 variant, provisionally identified by researchers as NB.1.8.1, which has appeared in several U.S. states. Federal health authorities have not designated it as a variant of concern. The House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic has continued its inquiry into whether early public health messaging downplayed the lab leak theory for diplomatic or political reasons. Dr. Anthony Fauci, a former White House health advisor, has repeatedly denied any effort to conceal information, calling those allegations "entirely false." Doj Investigating Andrew Cuomo For Allegedly Lying About Covid Decisions, Source Confirms Bongino has increasingly used social media to communicate bureau updates directly to the public. A former NYPD officer and Secret Service agent, Bongino was appointed deputy director earlier this year by FBI Director Kash article source: FBI examining COVID-19 origin 'cover-up' amid new strain emergence: Bongino
Yahoo
3 days ago
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FBI's Kash Patel vows 'definitive answer' on top Jan 6 question is 'coming'
Various conspiracy theories continue to swirl around January 6 Capitol Hill riots more than four years later, but FBI director Kash Patel promised a "definitive answer" to one of the most pressing questions about the nation-shattering event is "coming." "People have had questions about January 6th and whether or not there were FBI sources – not agents, sources – on the ground during January 6. And I told you I would get you the definitive answer to that. And we have, and we are in the process again of working with our partners to divulge that information, and it is coming," Patel said during a "Special Report" exclusive interview Wednesday. Patel added the answer may "surprise and shock people because of what past FBI leaders have said about it." Top Five Takedowns: Kash Patel's Fbi Hits The Ground Running With Major Early Victories Last year, Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz released his highly anticipated report on the FBI's Handling of its Confidential Human Sources and Intelligence Collection Efforts in the Lead Up to the Jan. 6, 2021 Electoral Certification. According to the report, there were a total of 26 confidential human sources in the crowd outside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, but only three of them were assigned by the FBI to be there. The report stressed that none of the sources were authorized or directed by the bureau to "break the law" or "encourage others to commit illegal acts." Read On The Fox News App One of the three confidential human sources tasked by the FBI to attend the rally entered the Capitol building, while the other two entered the restricted area around the Capitol. If a confidential human source is directed to be at a certain event, they are paid by the FBI for their time. Fbi's Top Boss Kash Patel Says Bureau Ran Cover For Hillary But It All Ends Under Trump Patel told Fox News chief political anchor Bret Baier the information from the DOJ IG report is "definitely a piece of the truth." Former FBI Director Christopher Wray had testified before Congress prior to this report being released in December 2024, but Patel called out Wray for deflecting and giving a "D.C. answer" when pressed by lawmakers. "Why it took a ton of time and questioning in Congress for the director to get that point is what I'm trying to eliminate from the FBI. If Congress asks you a question under oath, whether or not there were sources in [or] around January 6th at the Capitol, you as the director of the FBI need to know that and not deflect and give a D.C. answer. You have to be prepared for that," Patel said. After taking the helm of the nation's top investigative agency, Patel has made transparency and restoring trust in the bureau a top priority. Part of achieving this goal, he said, is to give Americans the answers they "deserve." Patel told Baier that there are "answers coming" in a number of other investigations, including the mystery surrounding pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee offices on the eve of the January 6 riot, the cocaine found in the White House during Biden's presidency, and the FBI's investigation into alleged Trump-Russia connections in the aftermath of the 2016 election, best known as "Crossfire Hurricane." Fox News Digital's Brooke Singman, Breanne Deppisch, Jake Gibson, David Spunt and BIll Mears contributed to this article source: FBI's Kash Patel vows 'definitive answer' on top Jan 6 question is 'coming'
