Brian J. Cole Jr. pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he placed two pipe bombs outside the Republican and Democratic national committee headquarters hours before the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. Prosecutors say Cole admitted to placing the devices and told investigators he wanted to "speak up" for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen. He faces up to 10 years on one charge and up to 20 years (with a five-year mandatory minimum) on the other. The case will proceed through pretrial proceedings.
Virginia Man Pleads Not Guilty in D.C. Pipe-Bomb Case Ahead of Jan. 6 Capitol Attack
National Guard patrol the Washington Mall, with the U.S. Capitol in the background, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
Brian J. Cole Jr., a resident of Woodbridge, Virginia, pleaded not guilty Friday to federal charges accusing him of placing two pipe bombs outside the headquarters of the Republican and Democratic national committees on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
At a brief court hearing, prosecutors said Cole faces two counts of transporting explosives and attempting to use them. Justice Department filings allege that Cole admitted placing the devices near the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee headquarters just hours before a mob of President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol.
In court documents, prosecutors say Cole told investigators he hoped the devices would detonate and that he "hoped there would be news about it." They also say Cole told authorities he felt someone needed to "speak up" for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen and that he targeted the political parties because they were "in charge." Cole was arrested last month.
Potential Penalties
If convicted on both counts, Cole faces up to 10 years in prison on one count and up to 20 years on the other. The second count also carries a five-year mandatory minimum sentence.
Case Status
The plea means Cole formally denies the charges and the case will proceed through pretrial motions and scheduling. Prosecutors will present their evidence in court; Cole’s defense may contest those allegations. No trial date has been publicly announced.
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