Who is the man accused of planting 2 pipe bombs in D.C. before the Jan. 6 riots? Meet Brian J. Cole Jr.

On December 4, the FBI confirmed the arrest of Brian J. Cole Jr., suspected of placing two pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., on January 5, 2021. The announcement comes nearly five years after the devices were discovered near the Republican and Democratic National Committee headquarters, a day before the deadly Capitol riot.

According to the Department of Justice, Cole faces multiple charges, including attempted destruction with fire and explosives, as well as transporting explosive devices across state lines with intent to harm or intimidate. His motive remains unknown.

Background and Personal Details

Cole lives in Woodbridge, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C., and graduated from C.D. Hylton High School in 2013. Court records indicate he resides with his parents and is employed by a bail bond company, which provides bail services in exchange for a fee.

Evidence and Arrest

According to an FBI affidavit, Cole allegedly purchased materials in 2019 and 2020 that could be used to make pipe bombs. Cellphone location data reportedly placed him near the RNC and DNC headquarters when the bombs were planted. 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, carrying backpacks containing the devices.

Coles car was also recorded by a license plate reader less than half a mile from the bombing locations. The bombs were placed roughly 30 minutes apart.

Official Statement

FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted the significance of the arrest during a December 4 press conference: Although almost five years have passed, this shows the FBI will never rest in bringing justice to those who endanger American lives and our communities.

The DOJ clarified that Cole is charged in an unsealed complaint with transporting explosives with intent to injure or intimidate, as well as attempted malicious destruction using fire and explosives. No information has linked the bombings directly to the Capitol riot, and the suspects motive is still under investigation.

Author: Sophia Brooks