What is known about the suspected pipe bomber before the 2021 US Capitol riot

New details are emerging about the man accused of placing two pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican national headquarters just one day before the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr., was taken into custody on Thursday.

Relatives and neighbors described Cole as quiet and withdrawn, someone who frequently walked a small chihuahua around their suburban Washington D.C. neighborhood. According to reports, he told authorities he believed the 2020 U.S. election had been "rigged."

Cole now faces charges involving the use of an explosive device and attempted property destruction with explosive materials. Both bombs were recovered intact and never detonated. A possible motive has not yet been released, and Cole is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday.

He was arrested at his home in Woodbridge, Virginia, after federal agents arrived in armored vehicles. Witnesses described the area as normally quiet, noting that Cole often drew attention simply for wearing shorts throughout winter.

Court filings state that Cole worked for a bail bond company, owned by his father and operating under the name Brian Cole Bail Bonds. The FBI reportedly searched the office of the business on the same day as his arrest. Family members described him as gentle, sheltered, and unlikely to harm others.

During questioning, Cole allegedly repeated claims that the 2020 election was stolen a view amplified by former President Donald Trump. Investigators have not confirmed whether his beliefs influenced the placement of the bombs outside party headquarters as Congress prepared to certify the election results.

The devices were planted on the night of January 5, 2021, and discovered the next day as crowds stormed the Capitol. Then vice president-elect Kamala Harris was evacuated from the Democratic headquarters shortly after the explosives were found.

Authorities say the investigation required years of reviewing extensive data. Thousands of leads, interviews, and tips were processed before identifying Cole. Phone records placed him near both locations between 7:39 p.m. and 8:24 p.m. the night the bombs were placed. Surveillance also detected his 2017 Nissan Sentra less than a half-mile from where the suspect was first spotted.

Officials said the bombs were constructed with black end caps one of roughly 233,000 such caps sold nationwide requiring agents to review large volumes of purchase records. Investigators also examined distribution records for Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes, believed to match those worn by the individual seen on surveillance footage.

At his upcoming court hearing, Cole will be formally advised of his charges and asked to enter a plea.

Author: Riley Thompson