Pipe bomb suspect confessed to FBI that he believed in 2020 election conspiracy theories

WASHINGTON A man accused of placing two pipe bombs near the headquarters of the Democratic and Republican parties just before the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol told the FBI that he believed in conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Brian Cole Jr., 30, is reportedly cooperating with federal authorities and is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on Friday. He was charged on Thursday with leaving explosive devices outside the Republican National Committee and Democratic National Committee offices shortly before supporters of Donald Trump stormed the Capitol.

According to court filings, Cole faces charges of transporting explosive materials and attempted malicious destruction. While the FBI has not publicly specified a motive, investigators found the pipe bombs near the party headquarters on January 5, the day before the riot.

The 2020 presidential election saw Donald Trump receive roughly 74 million votes nationwide, while Joe Biden garnered about 81 million. Trump has repeatedly claimed, without evidence, that the election was rigged. These claims were central to the investigation by former Special Counsel Jack Smith, who concluded that Trumps rhetoric encouraged supporters to commit acts of violence.

Smith noted in his final report that Trump "inspired his supporters to commit acts of physical violence" through "demonstrably and, in many cases, obviously false" claims regarding the election results. Trump continues to maintain that he won the 2020 election.

The criminal case against Trump related to the January 6 attack was closed following his reelection in 2024. However, Smith stated that had Trump not been elected again, there was enough evidence to support a conviction at trial. Smith also expressed a desire to testify publicly about his investigation, but House Republicans decided to interview him privately on December 17 instead.

Author: Sophia Brooks