FBI Captures Suspect in D.C. Pipe Bombs Case After Almost 5 Years — Just Before Jan. 6

The FBI has taken into custody a man suspected of planting two pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., the night before the January 6, 2021 events at the Capitol.

Reports from multiple outlets, including the Associated Press, NBC, and Fox News, indicate that the suspect has been identified as Brian Cole. Details about the specific charges he may face have not yet been released.

Back in January 2021, law enforcement officials reported that "an unidentified individual placed pipe bombs near the offices of the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee" in the nations capital. Five years later, Cole, a resident of Woodbridge, Virginia, a suburb of D.C., has been arrested in connection with the case.

It remains unclear whether the bomb placements were directly linked to the events of January 6. The devices were discovered on the morning of the Capitol breach but did not detonate. Surveillance footage captured the suspect wearing a gray hoodie, black gloves, a face mask, and distinctive black and gray Nike Air Max Speed Turf shoes with a yellow logo. The FBI noted that backpacks were used to transport the bombs, which were placed within a half-hour of each other.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bombings and any potential ties to the January 6 riots.

Author: Harper Simmons