Arrest Made in D.C. Pipe-Bomb Case: Who Is Brian J. Cole Jr.?

Arrest Made in D.C. Pipe-Bomb Case

Federal authorities announced on Dec. 4 that Brian J. Cole Jr. was arrested in connection with two improvised explosive devices discovered in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021 — the night before the assault on the U.S. Capitol. The Department of Justice has charged Cole with multiple federal offenses related to transporting and placing the devices; investigators have not publicly identified a motive.

What the Charges Say

According to an unsealed complaint and court filings, the devices were located at the headquarters of both the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) on Jan. 5, 2021. The DOJ has charged Cole with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce with intent to kill, injure or intimidate, or to unlawfully damage or destroy property. He is also charged with attempted malicious destruction by means of fire and explosive materials.

Evidence and Surveillance

Court documents and an affidavit filed Dec. 3 allege the investigation relied on multiple lines of inquiry, including physical surveillance, forensic analysis, cellphone location records and license-plate reader data. The affidavit states that cellphone records placed Cole’s phone near both party headquarters when surveillance video captured a person planting the devices, and that a license-plate reader recorded a vehicle linked to Cole less than half a mile from the surveillance location.

Surveillance images released by the FBI show a masked person wearing a gray hoodie, black gloves and black-and-gray Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes using backpacks to carry and place the devices roughly 30 minutes apart. The affidavit also alleges purchases in 2019 and 2020 consistent with items used to construct the devices.

About Brian J. Cole Jr.

Public filings identify Cole as a resident of Woodbridge, Virginia, who graduated from C.D. Hylton High School in 2013. News reports indicate he lives with his parents and is employed by a bail bond company.

“Although almost five years have passed, this shows the FBI will never rest in bringing justice to those who endanger American lives and our communities,” FBI Director Kash Patel said at a Dec. 4 news conference, thanking investigators and partners for their work leading to the arrest.

Investigation Status

Prosecutors and investigators have not publicly established a motive, and the court filings do not explicitly link the pipe-bomb placements to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Authorities say the probe remains active as they seek to determine motive and whether there were any associates or additional involvement. Further proceedings will determine whether prosecutors file additional charges or seek an indictment.

Note: The facts above are based on the Department of Justice complaint, court filings and law-enforcement statements released to date.