Who Is Brian Cole Jr.? Arrest Made in Jan. 6 Pipe-Bomb Investigation

Federal authorities announced the arrest of 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr. in a nearly five-year investigation into two pipe bombs placed outside the Democratic and Republican national committee offices the evening before the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Charges and Court Status

Cole was arrested at his home in Woodbridge, Virginia, and is charged with transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce (a count that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years) and attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials (a count that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years). He did not enter a plea at his initial court appearance. Prosecutor Charles Jones said the government will prioritize certain discovery, including a four-hour custodial interview with the suspect.

Evidence Cited by Investigators

Authorities say multiple lines of evidence tied Cole to the devices. Prosecutors and law enforcement cited:

• Forensic evidence identified after years of investigation.
• Cell-phone tower data placing Cole’s phone in the vicinity of both committee offices on Jan. 5, 2021.
• Video evidence showing a person in a hoodie, face mask, backpack and Nike Air Max Speed Turf sneakers walking near the offices between roughly 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. — the period investigators say the devices were placed.
• Video of Cole’s car traveling near the South Capitol Street exit less than half a mile from the location where surveillance captured the suspect.
• Purchase records: prosecutors say Cole bought 12 black end caps and two galvanized end caps — components resembling those used in the devices — from four different Home Depot stores in Northern Virginia between October 2019 and November 2020.

“These pipe bombs were viable devices that could have been detonated, resulting in injury or death,” said Steven D’Antuono, then the FBI assistant director in charge of the Washington field office, when the devices were first found. Darren Cox, the FBI assistant director in charge of the Washington Field Office, added after the arrest: “Fortunately, these bombs did not explode…but make no mistake, the alleged pipe bomber did terrorize our community.”

Alleged Confession, Background And Reactions

Charging documents and media reports state that Cole allegedly confessed to FBI agents that he planted the bombs and referenced controversies surrounding the 2020 presidential election as motivating factors. Despite that reported admission, prosecutors have not presented a fully detailed motive in court filings.

Cole reportedly worked in the office of a bail bondsman in Northern Virginia and graduated from Hylton High School in 2013. The Associated Press reported he is one of four children, has no voter registration and no prior criminal record. Neighbors and acquaintances described him as quiet and reserved; one neighbor said he was often seen walking a chihuahua.

Investigation Timeline and Next Steps

On Jan. 6, 2021, D.C. police discovered and removed two pipe bombs outside the national committee offices for both major parties. The FBI released surveillance video and offered up to a $100,000 reward for information leading to the suspect. After years with few public developments, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said forensic work ultimately produced evidence that led to Cole’s arrest.

The government is seeking to detain Cole pending trial. His next court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Note: The investigation remains active and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.