Washington — The individual suspected of planting pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on January 5, 2021, has been identified as a supporter of former President Trump. Multiple sources have confirmed that the suspect, 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr., has been cooperating with investigators following his arrest in Virginia on Thursday. He made his initial court appearance on Friday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Cole faces two serious charges related to the explosive devices that were discovered outside the party headquarters on the eve of the January 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol. Fortunately, the devices did not detonate, but they were deemed viable and could have caused significant harm to innocent bystanders. The specific charges against Cole include attempted malicious destruction by fire and explosives, as well as transporting an explosive device across state lines. During his hearing, Cole did not enter a plea.
During the hearing, Cole appeared in a khaki-green short-sleeve jumpsuit and was represented by private attorney John Shoreman. Magistrate Judge Moxila Upadhyaya presided over the proceedings, during which six of Cole's family members were present in the courtroom. As he exited, several family members expressed their support, stating "I love you." Shoreman, speaking on behalf of the family, declined to comment further on the case. Cole's next court appearance is set for December 15.
The pipe bombs were discovered on the afternoon of January 6, as a mob of Trump supporters breached the Capitol building, overwhelming law enforcement in the area. An affidavit from an undisclosed FBI agent, submitted in connection with the charges against Cole, did not address the Capitol attack directly. Although investigators initially released footage of a potential suspect and details about the Nike shoes they were wearing when the bombs were planted, significant progress in the investigation had been elusive.
Critical evidence has emerged linking Cole to the pipe bomb incident. According to the affidavit, cellphone records indicated that Cole's phone was located near the DNC and RNC headquarters on January 5, the same day the suspect was captured on surveillance footage planting the explosives. Additionally, a license plate reader detected Cole's vehicle less than half a mile from the site of the incident. Investigators also obtained records indicating that Cole purchased components used to construct the explosives.
During a press conference announcing the arrest, Attorney General Pam Bondi refrained from providing details regarding Cole's potential motive. She noted that no new tips or witnesses had emerged to lead to the arrest; instead, the breakthrough was a result of thoroughly reviewing existing evidence in the FBI's possession. Bondi emphasized that the Trump administration has prioritized this case, underscoring the perceived stagnation in the investigation that has undermined public trust in law enforcement agencies.
As the investigation continues, the arrest of Brian Cole Jr. marks a significant development in a case that has puzzled authorities for years. The implications of his actions and the potential motivations behind them remain to be fully explored as the legal proceedings unfold.