Suspect in 2021 Capitol Pipe Bomb Case Ordered Held Before Trial

A federal judge has ordered the detention of the man accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., on the eve of the Capitol riot. The suspect made his first court appearance on Tuesday. Prosecutors allege he placed two explosive devices outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national committees on January 5, 2021. The bombs did not detonate and were safely disabled by authorities. The U.S. Justice Department charged the suspect with multiple offenses, including using an explosive device and possessing an unregistered firearm. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of decades in prison. The judge agreed with prosecutors that the defendant is a potential flight risk and a danger to the community. He will remain in custody while awaiting further legal proceedings.