Arrest made in D.C. pipe bomb case from January 2021

The FBI has taken a significant step in its probe of pipe bombs discovered near the headquarters of both major political parties in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021. Authorities confirmed that Brian Cole is now in custody. The arrest represents a major breakthrough in a case that had remained unresolved for nearly five years.

An FBI official stated that the arrest occurred Thursday morning, with a formal announcement scheduled at the Justice Department later that day. Video footage from the FBI shows the individual placing two live pipe bombs near the Republican and Democratic National Committee buildings on the eve of the January 6 Capitol events.

Investigators reported that one bomb was positioned near the DNC headquarters and another near the RNC headquarters. The FBI had repeatedly requested public assistance in identifying the suspect, including releasing new video in January of the suspect planting one of the devices. The suspect was described as approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, wearing Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes with a gold logo.

In 2023, the reward for information leading to an arrest was increased from $100,000 to $500,000. Lawmakers had previously criticized the lack of arrests. The FBI emphasized that the pipe bombs, discovered roughly 15 hours after being planted, were functional and could have caused serious harm.

Investigators conducted over 1,000 interviews and reviewed tens of thousands of video files in their pursuit of the perpetrator. The unidentified bomber had fueled conspiracy theories, including claims that the government orchestrated events against Trump supporters, which the FBI has repeatedly debunked.

While former President Trump issued pardons for some January 6 participants, these did not cover the individual responsible for the pipe bombs.

Separately, John Richter, previously questioned by the FBI in connection to the case, commented on the news with humor, noting the flood of messages he received following the arrest of the actual suspect. Greg Rosen, a former leader of the Capitol Siege Section at the U.S. Attorneys Office in D.C., praised the FBI and prosecutors, saying the arrest reflects years of dedicated investigative work.

Author: Maya Henderson