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Jake Tapper Issues On-Air Correction After Misidentifying D.C. Pipe Bomb Suspect’s Race; Suspect Charged

03:44 PM, 12/06/2025

Quick Summary: CNN anchor Jake Tapper issued an on-air correction after he mistakenly described the D.C. pipe bomb suspect as white. Authorities have identified the suspect as Brian Cole Jr. and charged him with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and attempted malicious destruction; more charges are expected. Officials say both devices outside the RNC and DNC were viable but did not detonate. Cole appeared in court and did not enter a plea; investigators say the arrest relied on previously collected FBI evidence.

Jake Tapper Corrects On-Air Description After Misidentifying Suspect

CNN anchor Jake Tapper issued an on-air correction Friday after mistakenly describing the D.C. pipe bomb suspect as a "White man." The suspect has been identified by authorities as Brian Cole Jr., who is accused of placing pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic National Committee offices on the eve of Jan. 6.

"Yesterday, minutes before we showed you the suspect's photo, I should note that I mistakenly said that the suspect was White. Obviously, as the photo revealed, he's Black. Apologies for that mistake," Tapper said on air.

Tapper's correction drew attention from multiple outlets. CNN did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the on-air error.

Charges and Investigation

The Department of Justice announced that Brian Cole Jr. has been charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce and attempted malicious destruction by means of fire and explosive materials. Authorities said additional charges are pending.

Investigators say the two devices placed outside the RNC and DNC headquarters did not detonate but were assessed to be viable and dangerous. Officials have said the arrest was prompted by evidence the FBI had previously collected.

Court Appearance and Reporting

Cole appeared in court Friday and did not enter a plea. According to reporting cited by Fox News, after his arrest Cole spoke with law enforcement for hours and expressed doubts about the 2020 election outcome; that detail was attributed to a source close to the investigation.

As the legal process continues, prosecutors indicate more charges could be forthcoming. Media organizations continue to report on both the investigation and the fallout from Tapper's on-air correction.

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