FBI Investigated Former Capitol Police Officer in Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Case

The FBI investigated Shauni Kerkhoff, a former Capitol Police officer, as a suspect in the January 6th pipe bomb case, according to recent court filings submitted by the defendant’s legal team. Kerkhoff was on duty at the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack.

Investigation Details Revealed

Kerkhoff as a 'Person of Interest'

Defense attorneys for Brian Cole Jr. stated in a Wednesday filing that Kerkhoff was treated as a “person of interest” and subjected to extensive scrutiny by investigators. The FBI reportedly “began investigating, questioning, and covertly surveilling” Kerkhoff around the same time they were building their case against Cole.

Polygraph and Surveillance

Kerkhoff, now employed by the CIA, underwent an FBI interview on November 6th, including a polygraph examination. The filing indicates she was directly asked if she had placed the pipe bombs. She was formally designated a person of interest on November 7th. The defense claims she failed the polygraph, with the examiner noting “very controlled reaction” and “seemingly rehearsed responses.”

FBI Actions and Subsequent Closure

Following the investigation’s launch, the FBI issued subpoenas for Kerkhoff’s electronic accounts, interviewed her associates, and reviewed surveillance footage of her movements. The investigation into Kerkhoff was ultimately closed roughly a month after Cole’s arrest in connection with the pipe bombs placed outside the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters on January 5, 2021.

Defense Strategy and Subpoena Requests

Cole’s attorneys are now seeking subpoenas for Kerkhoff, her boyfriend (also a Capitol Police officer), and a podiatrist linked to gait analysis evidence. They argue these materials are crucial to supporting a defense that Kerkhoff, not Cole, planted the pipe bombs.

Unresolved Questions and Ongoing Mystery

The pipe bomb case remains a significant mystery for the Justice Department over five years after the January 6th riot. Despite publicly expressing confidence in Cole’s guilt, prosecutors have not presented a clear motive or evidence detailing how Cole evaded the extensive law enforcement effort to identify the bomber.

Initial Investigation Efforts

The FBI initially assigned over 50 agents to the case, conducting a comprehensive digital and forensic investigation. This included analyzing surveillance footage, tracking cell phone data, and examining purchase records for bomb components. Despite these efforts, investigators were unable to identify a suspect through digital tracing or retail transaction analysis.

Political Scrutiny and Allegations

The investigation has faced political scrutiny, with some lawmakers questioning its transparency. Online speculation regarding Kerkhoff resurfaced following claims about gait analysis linking her to the suspect, allegations her attorney has refuted as “recklessly false.” The devices discovered on January 5th near the RNC and DNC headquarters were viable but did not detonate.