Colin Clarke discusses the Jan. 6 pipe bombs case while Jim Lawler explores the moral considerations of recruiting spies. They also delve into the Capitol storming investigation, the role of a CIA case officer, and the compromised soul of spies.
Recruiting foreigners to commit treason can come at the cost of losing a bit of your soul.
Investigative tools used in the Capitol pipe bomb case include surveillance video, gate analysis, license plate readers, satellite imagery, human intelligence, and tips from the public.
Deep dives
Recruiting Foreign Spies to Commit Treason
Former CIA officer Jim Lawler discusses the psychological dynamics and moral considerations involved in recruiting foreigners to commit treason against their governments. He acknowledges that while the work is done for the United States, it can sometimes come at the cost of losing a bit of your soul. Lawler shares his experience of manipulating and owning sources, highlighting the rush that comes with controlling them and having them do what you want.
Storming of the Capitol and the Investigation
The Republican National Committee characterizes the storming of the Capitol as a legitimate political discourse, leading to criticism of Republican members of Congress participating in the January 6th House investigation. The investigation into the Capitol attack continues, with hundreds of individuals charged, but the person who placed the pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters remains unknown. The FBI has released footage and physical descriptions of the suspect, hoping for leads to solve the case.
The Challenges of Solving the Capitol Pipe Bomb Case
Colin Clark, director of research at the Sufaun group, discusses the challenges of solving the Capitol pipe bomb case which remains unsolved since the January 6th attack. He expresses optimism that the case will be solved but acknowledges the time that has passed without significant progress. Clark mentions the use of surveillance video, gate analysis, license plate readers, and satellite imagery as potential investigative tools. He also emphasizes the importance of human intelligence and the role of tips from the public in cracking the case.
The Nature of Homemade Gunpowder and Unsolved Mysteries
The discussion explores the composition and traceability of homemade gunpowder, highlighting that with easy access to guns and ammunition, people can acquire the necessary components. The bombs placed outside the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters consisted of galvanized steel pipes, kitchen timers, and homemade gunpowder. While generic in nature, the components may offer clues to investigators in other aspects of the case. The conversation also touches upon the usage of gate analysis and various data sources including cell phone data, license plate readers, and satellite imagery in the investigation.
Jeanne Meserve talks with The Soufan Group’s Colin Clarke about the unsolved mystery of the Jan. 6 pipe bombs case, and Jeff Stein plumbs a spy’s 'sociopathic soul' with acclaimed CIA case officer Jim Lawler.
