The FBI has made a major arrest in a long-running investigation, apprehending a man accused of planting pipe bombs in Washington DC on the eve of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
The suspect: A reclusive neighbour with a Chihuahua
Brian Cole, a 30-year-old from Woodbridge, Virginia, was identified as the suspect and arrested on Thursday. To his neighbours, Cole was known as an isolated figure, seen only when walking his pet Chihuahua. Neighbours speaking anonymously to CNN described him as a recluse who would take the dog out in all weathers, typically wearing shorts, headphones, and a distinctive pair of red Crocs.
One long-term resident told The New York Post they would often remark on his attire, even in freezing conditions. "It’s 20 degrees out in his red Crocs, walking his dog all winter long," the neighbour said. "We all knew him as the guy that walked the Chihuahua." An arrest affidavit stated Cole lived with his mother and worked as a bail bondsman.
The dramatic arrest and the five-year investigation
The quiet suburb was thrust into the spotlight when SWAT teams in two Humvees raided Cole's home, leading to his arrest. Cole faces charges for placing explosive devices outside the headquarters of both the Democratic and Republican National Committees. The bombs, which did not detonate, were discovered the following day.
This arrest marks the first significant breakthrough in a five-year investigation that had frustrated the FBI and fuelled numerous conspiracy theories. Sources indicate that Cole's arrest may cause embarrassment for the Bureau, as they reportedly had all necessary information to identify him for close to five years. His capture came after a review of existing evidence from 2021 and 2022, not a new lead, and followed a $500,000 reward offer for information.
Night of the attempted attack: New footage revealed
In the weeks before the arrest, authorities released previously unseen surveillance footage from the night of January 5, 2021. The video showed a hooded suspect, now alleged to be Cole, placing a backpack on South Capitol Street before donning glasses and scanning the area. The suspect then proceeded to the DNC headquarters, where a bomb was placed at 7:54pm, and later to the RNC headquarters, where another device was placed at 8:16pm.
The individual was captured on camera wearing a face mask, glasses, a grey hooded sweatshirt, gloves, and distinctive black and light grey Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes with a yellow logo. The homemade explosive devices were constructed from threaded galvanized pipes, kitchen timers, and homemade black powder.
The bombs were rendered safe by authorities the next afternoon, with no injuries reported. Their discovery occurred just hours before crowds of Donald Trump supporters descended on the city to protest the 2020 election results.
Brian Cole is scheduled for an initial appearance in a DC federal court to be formally arraigned on charges related to the bomb plot.
