A federal magistrate judge has ruled that Brian Cole Jr, the man accused of planting pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican headquarters on the eve of the January 6 Capitol attack, must remain in custody while awaiting trial. The court determined that Cole poses an intolerable risk of danger to the community and that no conditions of release could reasonably assure public safety.
Cole, 30, of Woodbridge, Virginia, faces two federal charges: transportation of explosive devices across state lines with intent to harm, and malicious attempted destruction using explosives. The latter carries a potential 20-year prison sentence. Neither device detonated on 5 January 2021, and Capitol police safely disabled both.
Authorities arrested Cole on 4 December, nearly five years after the incident. Searches of his home allegedly uncovered bomb-making components, including metal pipes and wire matching those used in the 2021 devices. Court filings also indicate that Cole's mobile phone interacted with cell towers near both party headquarters at the time the bombs were placed, and a license plate reader captured his vehicle in the area.
Financial records reportedly show Cole purchased most of the bomb components from northern Virginia stores throughout 2019 and 2020, and continued buying similar materials into August 2022. In a video interview after his arrest, Cole initially denied involvement but later admitted he was the person in surveillance footage after being reminded that lying was an additional offence.
Cole told investigators he travelled to Washington to protest the 2020 election outcome and wanted to act against the parties because “they were in charge”. When asked why he targeted both, he said: “I really don’t like either party at this point.” Defense attorneys argued that Cole is on the autism spectrum, has no criminal history, and no evidence he would flee, but the judge disagreed.
