The man suspected of planting pipe bombs in Washington DC on the eve of the deadly 6 January 2021 attack on the US Capitol is set to make his first appearance in a federal court.
Charges and Arrest in Long-Running Investigation
Brian Cole Jr, a 30-year-old from Woodbridge, Virginia, was taken into custody on Thursday. He faces two explosives-related charges for his alleged role in the incident that occurred on 5 January 2021. The charges carry a potential maximum prison sentence of 20 years if he is convicted.
Authorities allege that Cole placed two pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee. These buildings are situated not far from the US Capitol and the White House. The devices were not discovered until the following day, when they were safely deactivated by police. Fortunately, neither bomb exploded and no injuries were reported.
Evidence and the Path to an Arrest
According to an FBI affidavit detailing the evidence, investigators were able to trace purchases of several components used to construct the bombs back to Cole. These items included pipes, kitchen timers, and battery connectors.
Furthermore, cellphone data and automated license plate reader information placed Cole in the vicinity of the two political party buildings on the evening the bombs were planted. US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that a meticulous review of existing evidence, rather than new information, ultimately led investigators to identify Cole as the suspect.
Context of the Capitol Attack and Unanswered Questions
The pipe bombs were placed on the night before a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol in a violent attempt to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden's 2020 election victory. FBI officials noted that dealing with the explosive devices required significant police resources on a day when law enforcement was already stretched thin.
Justice Department officials have not publicly disclosed a motive for the pipe bomb incident. They have also not stated whether there is any confirmed link between the placement of the bombs and the subsequent insurrection at the Capitol, where lawmakers and staff were forced to flee for their safety.
Cole's arrest marks a major breakthrough in a case that had long frustrated federal investigators. He is the first individual to be apprehended and publicly named as the alleged perpetrator of this specific plot.
