A federal judge has firmly rejected a request for pretrial release for a man accused of planting explosive devices outside the national headquarters of both major political parties on the eve of the January 6th Capitol riot. The ruling ensures the defendant will remain in custody as his case progresses through the judicial system.
Judge Upholds Decision to Keep Suspect in Custody
U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled on Thursday that Brian J. Cole Jr. must stay in jail while awaiting trial, upholding a previous decision by U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharbaugh. Judge Sharbaugh had determined on January 2nd that no conditions of release could adequately protect the public from the potential danger Cole allegedly represents.
Details of the Alleged Crimes
Cole, a 30-year-old Virginia resident, has pleaded not guilty to charges of making and planting two pipe bombs outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington, D.C. The alleged crimes occurred on the night of January 5, 2021, just hours before a mob stormed the U.S. Capitol building.
Prosecutors assert that Cole confessed to attempting what they describe as "an extraordinary act of political violence." According to court documents, Cole told investigators he became dissatisfied with how leaders from both political parties addressed questions surrounding the 2020 presidential election, stating that "something just snapped."
Prosecution Arguments Against Release
Federal prosecutors strongly opposed Cole's release, arguing that his actions were far from impulsive. "While the defendant may have reached a psychological breaking point, his crimes were anything but impulsive," they wrote in court filings. "Indeed, the defendant's pipe bombs — and the fear and terror they instilled in the general public — were the product of weeks of premeditation and planning."
Authorities used phone records and other evidence to identify Cole as a suspect in a case that had confounded FBI investigators for over four years. Cole has remained in custody since his arrest on December 4th.
Defense Arguments and Personal Circumstances
Defense attorneys had requested Cole's release to home detention with electronic monitoring, arguing that he poses no flight risk and has no prior criminal record. They presented testimony from a defense expert who concluded that the devices found near the political party headquarters were not viable explosive devices.
"In fact, there was no possibility of death, injury or destruction as the devices were harmless," defense attorneys wrote in their motion for pretrial release.
The defense also highlighted Cole's personal circumstances, noting that he lived with his parents in Woodbridge, Virginia, and has been diagnosed with autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These factors, they argued, should be considered in determining appropriate pretrial conditions.
Potential Penalties and Case Significance
If convicted on both charges, Cole faces substantial prison time. One charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years imprisonment, while a second charge carries up to 20 years with a mandatory minimum of five years.
This case represents one of the most serious investigations stemming from the events surrounding the January 6th Capitol attack, involving alleged weapons that targeted the physical headquarters of America's two major political parties simultaneously.
The judge's decision to keep Cole detained reflects the court's assessment of the seriousness of the charges and the potential risk to public safety, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched trial in the coming months.
